Domestic Violence

Proverbs 13:24

Ephesians. 5:23

Hebrews 12:5-11 , Ephesians 6:4 , Matthew 18:5-6 , Luke 18:15-16 , Mark 10:16 ,Matthew 21:16

Domestic Violence

Many of us have experienced domestic violence either as a spouse or as a child.  Even if we have not suffered physical violence ourselves, we have probably been verbally or psychologically abused.  Domestic  violence is thus a serious matter that must be dealt with as an illegal and immoral practice. Yet many cases of domestic violence are unreported, so that it is often described as one of the world’s best kept secrets. Even the church is complicit because so often churches around the world have remained silent about violence against women.

The Nature of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence involves the abuse of power in intimate relationships within a household. Violence does not only occur between husbands and wives, but can also be perpetrated  against children. According to the American Psychological Association, some 40 to 60 percent of men who abuse women also abuse children. Adults (parents and relatives) may beat, neglect or sexually abuse children in the home. Older children may abuse their younger siblings.  Babysitters may maltreat infants whom they are supposed to be taking care of.  The violence against  children may not only be physical, but can slso include teasing, bullying, intimidation and psychological and sexual harassment.

Female violence against men is rare.  When it does occur, it often takes the form of verbal or physical retaliation after repeated attacks on the woman or her children.  This is sometimes referred to as violent resistance, in which a trapped victim sees violent retaliation as the only escape from further violence.

• How do the O.T. writers address domestic violence and how does this apply to our theme for this week?
• What difference will it make in your study of domestic violence if you are able to have confidence that what you are reading is in fact not just the ideas of men but the very Word of God?
• Now if you believe that the words from Proverbs 13:24; Ephesians. 5:23; Hebrews 12:5-11; 25:6; Ephesians 6:4; Matthew 18:5-6; Luke 18:15-16; Mark 10:16; and Matthew 21:16 (the husband is the head of the wife, the use of the rod or stick to bring about discipline, the Lord disciplines those he loves, showing love to children is showing love to God) apply to domestic violence, then are these the words of men or God? Explain your answer.