We need to recognize the seriousness of all forms of abuse and violence, and support church and community efforts to provide help for victims and abusers alike. We need to be alert and to alert others to the issue and organize our congregations to take an active role in combating the growing prevalence of violence and abuse. The person sitting next to you in church may be a victim of abuse. You will not see the wounds and scars caused by abuse because the victim usually is careful to keep them hidden. The victim frequently protects the abuser out of fears, love, shame - sometimes all three.
Victims often take out their frustrations and rage upon others.
Entire families are adversely affected by abuse. And, abuse can become a vicious cycle passed on from generation to generation. Adults may not realize that they are abusive when they scream at, hit, neglect, demean or sexually molest others in their family. Such behaviors may seem normal to them since such behaviors were part of their own upbringing. The cycle of abuse must be broken, but it will probably not happen unless the abuser recognizes the problem and is willing to change.