The Heart of Domestic Abuse

Since today is the final day of October, we would be remiss if we did not mention that this month has been National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is an issue we deal with year round, unfortunately, and we are grateful awareness is heightened during this fall month.

As you can see by the national statistics shared by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), this serious issue is running rampant in our culture. Here are just a few of the many alarming statistics:

  • 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence
  • Every 9 seconds in the US, a woman is assaulted or beaten.
  • On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.
  • 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime.
  • 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

Obviously, there is a serious problem in our country, and men and women need help!

Anyone in a domestic violence situation should seek help immediately to keep themselves safe. We are thankful for supportive authorities, churches, and ministries who reach out to help men and women who are being abused. And how thankful we can be as well for the Word of God and other resources that tackle the root of the problem to stop further abuse from happening.

One helpful resource just recently released in paperback form is The Heart of Domestic Abuse by Chris Moles. This book is meant to be a helpful tool of Gospel solutions for men who use control and violence in the home. We believe that a violent person has a big sin issue, and using the Scriptures to get to the root of this problem and address it biblically can stop further abuse and save the lives of countless women.

Pastor Shaw endorsed this book and states this about the author and the resource:

“…Few in the biblical counseling movement have Chris Moles’ extensive experience with families ravaged by domestic violence. Since this prevalent community issue is rearing its ugly head in the church, pastors and ministry leaders need to be equipped to counsel the heart of a violent man. I am particularly excited about this tool for addiction counselors since violence in the home often goes hand in hand with addiction issues. It will be a required reading for those I am privileged to disciple in the future…”

If you would like more information or to purchase this resource, click here!

Bethany Dunn
Bethany heard about Vision of Hope while attending Word of Life Bible Institute in Florida. When she began praying about what God wanted her to do after graduating, He kept bringing Vision of Hope to her mind. Knowing that there was an internship available, Bethany applied, was accepted, and began her internship with VOH in July, 2012. Since then she has been amazed at the opportunities God has given her to learn more about His Word and how it applies to everyday life. Bethany now serves on staff at Vision of Hope.