As we are now in week 3 of our marriage series, I’m thinking about all of those people whose relationships are difficult, and painful and abusive. Domestic violence is something over 10 million children witness annually. 10 million children who are growing up to learn that abuse is synonymous with love. 10 million children who will grow up stuck in a cycle of abuse, being afraid of love, and/or becoming abusive themselves.
Domestic Violence is the leading cause of injury among women. That’s more than car accidents, rape, etc. In fact in the United States a women is beaten or assaulted every 9 seconds. In the time it takes you to snap a selfie, a woman somewhere has been beaten. And every day in the United States, three or more women are murdered by husbands and boyfriends. In, Minnesota, in 2014 there were 23 documented deaths due to domestic violence.
And that’s just in the United States. Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Most often, the abuser is a member of her own family.
These statistics are heart breaking, and my intention in sharing them with you is two fold: 1. That we may remain aware that domestic violence takes many forms, and the people affected by it need our help and our prayers.
2. Our GOment in Woodbury this month is The Dwelling Place. The Dwelling Place is a transitional shelter providing safe housing and structured programming for battered women and their children. Residents may stay 12-18 months to receive healing, and acquire the necessary skills to achieve independent housing, a sustaining income, and violence free lives.
Domestic violence impacts so many and as the Church, we want come alongside organizations that are trying to make a difference. The mission of The Dwelling Place is to protect families and heal lives affected by domestic abuse by providing safe housing, Christ-centered programs, training in life skills, and community education.
Crossroads will be helping The Dwelling Place by donating gently used clothing, towels, bed linens and winter wear. Stop by the table at the Adults counter each weekend to drop off your items and donations through the weekend of February 28/March 1. There will also be resources about domestic violence and ways for you to volunteer if you are interested.
Also a quick update from last week: the Mexico Mission Trip meeting is now on the 21st of February. Details can be found here.
Lisa Adams
Director of Missions
Living Out Love 