Domestic Violence: Where to Get Help
1. Most communities have a Department of Social Services. You can learn from them what help is available to women and children in an abusive situation. They can inform you of financial, practical, and counseling aid available in your area, as well as of “safe houses” or places of refuge. They may help you find another place to live, a job, and care for your children while you work. Your pastor also can give guidance and practical help in various ways.
2. Share your problems with a dedicated, sympathetic Christian friend or acquaintance, or with your pastor, Sunday school teacher, or a trained Christian counselor–someone who will let you do most of the talking and will keep your conversations confidential. A trained counselor knows that in many instances, just listening is as helpful as giving advice. Often when you talk about your problems in depth, you are able to think them through. This, in turn, will help you gain insights as to what course you should follow.
3. Pray to the Lord and seek His help. In addition, pray with your confidant and ask God to give you direction. He will guide you and supply all your needs, just as He did for Kay. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJB). He certainly does!
