When I write the words "bruised and bleeding" I know they are inadequate for the horrendous nature of the injuries inflicted. We've all seen some of them whenever a TV programme has featured domestic violence. As Paul and Susi Childers say, "The perpetrator uses fear and intimidation and often physical or sexual violence." The aim is control, and the method is to intimidate and undermine.
On day 3 of the thirty days of prayer, I pray for all victims of domestic violence, be they men or women, and I particularly pray, Father, that you would free men from the neurotic needs and insecurities that lead to abuse of the person who loves them. I pray that all the victims may be set free to live in health, safety and peace, free at last from their constant agonising fear and despair. Father, I pray for governments, health services and police forces everywhere to develop the legislative framework, the resources and the skills that enable them to respond to the horrifying scale of this abuse and to be effective in preventing and stopping it.
Lord Jesus, you expressed how precious marriage is to God, please stir up your Church to teach and uphold the ideal of mutual respect and kindness in marriage.
Relevant web sites are:
http://www.womensaid.org.uk/landing_page.asp?section=000100010008&itemTitle=If+you+or+a+friend+need+help
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm#definition
http://www.zonta.org/site/DocServer/Violence_Against_Women_Around_the_World_Zontian_April_20.pdf?docID=604
http://www.hrw.org/reports/1999/pakistan/Pakhtml-05.htm
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