Awareness can help stop the
cycle of domestic violence [Bulletin date: October 24, 2026]
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, leading to a repeat of the
abusive behavior. This sequence will
continue to repeat over and over and can only stop if both the victim(s) and
the abuser obtain help. There are a variety
of services to assist both victims and abusers.
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 seeking 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.
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