A Survivor's Story

Writing about the issue of domestic violence, or any kind of violence is never easy. Even though it is something that seemed better left untouched, however it must be publicized, because many people are experiencing it every day. I love to write, but this was the hardest, and most painful issue I ever had to write about. As a survivor of domestic violence, I was determined to bury that part of my life forever, never to be mentioned again. This is an embarrassing topic that no one enjoy talking about. I thought that by covering it up it would eventually disappear. I thought I was home free for over twenty years, until that part of my life was aroused, and I realized that I have a duty to help others by telling my story. As a pastor I realize that there are many people today who are living in domestic abusive situations. They refuse to talk about it because they are either ashamed, or they may think that no one will believe, or listen to them. There are also many church goers today who are silently living in this violent lifestyles. My prayer is that this book will give others the courage to break their silence and speak up against this ugly issue. By doing so, many lives can be saved. “Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, affects millions of women and men each year. It may include physical abuse, sexual abuse, threat of physical or sexual abuse and emotional abuse” (Chapman, G., 2008, p.135).

After reading this book, I pray that you will be determined to break your silence by seeking the help you need so that you can live your life to its fullest. For those who are mothers or fathers, it’s all the more important to address the issue, because your children must be raised with the understanding that violence of any kind is not okay. For those victims who are not parents, you also bear the responsibility to enlighten others about the dangers of domestic violence. So no matter who we are or where we are from, we all have the obligation to share our experience with others.

My regret is that I did not come forward sooner, so the number of those who suffered or probably died would have been lessened. Now I am on a mission to let victims know that help is available, and they don’t have to live their lives as someone else’s prey.

For those who are survivors, I am appealing to you to join me in this fight for the common purpose of reducing the numbers of domestic abusers. I agree that it is impossible to save everyone but for every victim reached means one more family saved. The Lord inspired His faithful people to write these words to show how much He loves and cares:

1 Peter 3:7 says “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered” (ESV). Galatians 5:19-21 “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (ESV).

Luke 4:18-19 also says “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (NIV). Jesus’ main purpose was to heal the broken-hearted like you and I, and to free us from captivity.