Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events Across Georgia

 
Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of all ages, leaving a devastating impact on women, men, and children of every background and circumstance. A family’s home becomes a place of fear, hopelessness, and desperation when her/his partner batters a woman/man, a child witness the abuse of a loved one or a senior is victimized by family members.

Since the 1994 passage of the landmark Violence Against Women Act, championed by then-Senator Joe Biden, our Nation has strengthened its response to this crime and increased services for victims.

Still, far too many women/men/children and families in this country and around the world are affected by domestic violence. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, has recommitted ourselves to ending once and for all, this very sinful reality within our homes, our communities, and our country.

One of my favorite passages of scripture attempts to express just how important each of us is, at least from our Creator’s perspective:

According to Psalms 139 verse 13-14, each human being not only is a miracle and gift of God in the earth, but each of us has a divine purpose in our living. This verse of Holy Scripture states the following:  “For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your Works, and that my soul knows very well”.

In this passage, I notice some irrefutable absolutes concerning each of us as it pertains to God. First, it is He who makes us and protects us.

Secondly, one of our purposes in this life is to honor Him for being Creator and sustainer of our lives. We do this by praising and worshipping Him.

Third, each life has an expression of God within our created essence, for we are physical, emotional and spiritual beings that reflect God’s Image. Nowhere in this selected passage does another human being have the right to abuse any part of another person’s life! 

All forms of domestic violence are considered a mortal sin and a civil offense on the victims, the perpetrators, and society.

Domestic violence by definition is a pattern of coercive behaviors characterized by the domination and control of one person over another, usually an intimate partner, through physical, psychological, emotional, verbal, sexual and economic abuse.

Some very practical ways that ministers may share biblically during National Domestic Violence Month is to:

  • Be known as a Church that Advocates against Domestic Violence
  • Provide Awareness and Education for those who are members
  • Designate a Sunday or an entire month National Domestic Violence Month
  • Provide written materials about domestic violence
  • Preach Biblical congregational messages about and against Domestic Violence
  • Provide local hotline numbers, websites addresses for Domestic Violence
  • Host Workshops and discussion groups concerning Domestic Violence
  • Know the Legal implications surrounding Domestic Violence

The above information was taken from my research project, Biblical and Scientific Overview of Domestic Violence on The Soul Nature of Humans: Providing Awareness and Practical Education to Pastors and the Local Church.*

Perhaps you may know someone personally who is or has been in an abusive relationship, or even yourself or members of your church community. In a proactive response to National Domestic Violence Month in October, please seek immediate help!

24-hour State of Georgia Hotline

1.800.33.HAVEN (1.800.334.2836)

www.http://gcadv.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

http://www.thehotline.org/

*Copies of my research project are made possible via standing orders only. To order your copy, please contact me @ alonzoe1@yahoo.com.

Grace and Peace

Alonzo E. Thornton