Oct. 27
October is National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month
Domestic abuse has no barriers. It can happen to anyone independent of faith, race, age, socioeconomic status, or gender. It is all about the abuser having power and control over another. It can take the form of physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, social, or financial abuse.
Often there is a pattern to abuse starting with one or more abusive behaviors, then remorse, then a honeymoon phase occurs followed by the buildup of tension, and then the abusive behavior repeats. This behavior will continue to repeat over and over and can only stop if both the victim(s) and the abuser get help from a variety of services. These include 24-hour hotlines, emergency shelters, transitional housing, case management, temporary protective orders, safety planning, counseling and support groups, and legal advice.
For a victim who is married, abuse is often endured for the sake of the marriage vows. While forgiveness and reconciliation are part of our Catholic faith, the Church never wants someone to be harmed for any reason, especially at the hands of another. We are each responsible to God to keep ourselves and others safe in both body and mind. Therefore, if you or someone you know is in an abusive situation it is important to break the silence and the cycle of domestic abuse by getting help.
For more information or assistance call LiveSafe at 770-427-3390, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or the Archdiocese of Atlanta at 770-920-7620.
Pastoral Care Director,
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