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For Tuesday, October 28, 2014
“Help for the Victim”
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Episode Transcript:
Today is October 28, 2014, and you’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. Here is today’s Scripture:
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).
Our emphasis on Domestic Violence Awareness is quickly coming to an end as we move closer and closer to the end of October. With that in mind, I want us to spend some time focusing specifically upon help that is available for someone is in an abusive relationship.
First, though, I feel compelled to offer some disclaimers. I am not a licensed counsellor. I am merely a concerned individual who has spent a little time studying this issue. I have availed myself to people who do have experience in helping those in an abusive relationship, and I have consulted resources that they have recommended relative to this subject.
Maybe you have been shocked as you have listened to The Light Network’s podcasts about Domestic Violence. Perhaps for you, the shock was not only because of the details and nature of domestic violence, but also because you have identified yourself as a victim of domestic abuse. Today, I want to arm you with some resources that could help if you are in an abusive relationship. First, though, I need to urge you to exercise care as you continue. If you are in need of help, be sure that you have a plan to ensure your safety.
So, let’s talk about safety plans. I want to take you to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which has been around for 17 years to help people in domestically violence situations. You can call the hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). They also have a website at thehotline.org. Be aware that internet activity can be monitored. If accessing the hotline online could endanger you, then call in a safe place. You will also find ideas for creating safety plans at womenslaw.org.
Next, let’s discuss finding a Christian counsellor. Notice my emphasis there on a Christian counsellor. You need someone who is a member of the Lord’s church, a New Testament Christian who has professional training in counseling. He or she can help you to be safe and to find help. Further, he or she can help you find that help within the framework of God’s plan for your life. That’s why it’s so vital that you find one who is a New Testament Christian. On another show here on The Light Network, Preachers in Training, I interviewed two excellent Christian counsellors, Lonnie Jones and Jerry Martin.
Third, let’s talk about finding help in your state. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has some great resources that will help you find support in your state. Similarly, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has a state coalition list.
Regarding identifying an abusive individual, I want to point you to two profiles of abusive behavior, both of which are made available from focus ministries. The first is called Cobras and Pit Bulls – Men Who Batter, the second is titled Charmers and Con Artists. Of further help may be the Power and Control Wheel made available by the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence.
If you are dating and think you may be in an abusive relationship, there are some resources for you, too. I have three documents, two PDFs and one blog post that I want you to see: Red Flags to Look For in an Abusive Personality, The Dating Abuse Resources Booklet, and the blog titled Do you know the danger signs of an unhealthy dating relationship?.
Finally, let’s talk about questions regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage. For Christians, this is going to be an issue because of what the Bible clearly teaches regarding this issue (see Matthew 19; Romans 7; 1 Corinthians 7; Genesis 2; etc.). Wayne Jackson, a brother in Christ, wrote an excellent article on the website for The Christian Courier titled Some Questions about Divorce and Remarriage. You will find it to be thoroughly biblical.
Let’s wrap it up: We want you to know that help is available. That’s why I’ve walked you through these resources today on the show. You will find all of these resources – most of which are free – available in our show notes for this episode. Just go to thelightnetwork.tv/tny123 to access them all. Now these links contain much helpful and truth information about domestic violence. However, I cannot offer a wholesale endorsement of all of the content on any of the sites. As I would advise with anything you read, view or study — apply your faculties of discernment, seek truth and hold fast to what is good.
Memory Verse: Our verse this week is Joshua 1:9. Listen to what the Lord told Joshua:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
The New You 10 Week Challenge for a Better Internet! This week I want us to answer this question: What is your favorite part about sharing the gospel? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “My favorite part about sharing the good news of Jesus is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 5 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!
OUTRO:
Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.
To check out all of our content related to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, go to thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.
I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!
This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!
**NOTE: Copy links from Culture Shock ep 63 to the show notes. Place them above the transcript.
