PRAY WITH US about vicious abuse cycles: Father God, we thank You for Your Son, who came to us in a human body. Then He suffered our abuse, so that by His wounds we may be healed. Because You care for Your body and every member of Your body. So we pray that every member find freedom to express their pain. If in marriages, heal their marriage and make them fruitful and multiply. But if one member becomes an offender showing bad fruit, bring him through the Matthew 18 process. Establish the truth with two or more trusted witnesses. Impress the truth on the offender and reconcile him.
But if he refuses, establish the truth with Your established authorities in the church. And let any necessary truths be known. Because “the church of the living God” is “the pillar and foundation of the church” (1 Tim. 3:15). Affirm our foundation, so that those who enter may find true salvation and safety here. And bring offenders under such conviction, that they will not approach You or Your body without the true repentance that will save them too. In Jesus’ name, amen.
PRAYER ALERT: Vicious Abuse Cycles—3 Stages of Hurt and Healing
Last week Child Development Foundation held a workshop in Belmopan on “Social & Behavioral Change.” CDF counsels victims of abuse such as child sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Too often the abuse begins in the home and conditions victims to get caught in human trafficking rings.
Here’s how it happens in three stages—yellow, red and green. Please refer to the chart “Cycles of Abuse.” In the yellow stage, the abuser become moody, critical, intimidating and argumentative. Then in the red stage he uses his points of argument to strike out in abuse. From psychological to verbal to sexual to violent abuse. Possibly going so far as to use weapons.
In response, the victim tries to placate or reason with him, or fight back. Failing that, she (most often female) may seek shelter in a locked room or with friends or family. And/or call the police. At some point the abuser stops the abuse and tries to make amends.
The green stage starts with sweet talk but often ends with more arguments…
Read more in ETG article Vicious Abuse Cycles—3 Stages of Hurt and Healing
ETG articles related to vicious abuse cycles:
Child Development Foundation Rescues Abuse Victims
Armed Gangs Recruit Children Shut out of Haitian Schools
Haiti Missionaries Get Christmas Gift—All 17 Now Free
Turning Fathers’ Hearts to a Stolen Generation
Preteen Migrants Travel Unaccompanied to US Border
BPN articles related to vicious abuse cycles: