by Eileen Gorski | Oct 4, 2023 | Domestic Violence
In Phase Three, the simmering tensions reach their boiling point. The abuser, feeling they have the upper hand, begins to escalate their behaviors to a new level. More name-calling, public and private humiliation, controlling the victim’s actions, destroying property,...
by Eileen Gorski | Oct 4, 2023 | Domestic Violence
The final phase, the Leaving Phase, seeks to break the continuing cycle of abuse. This can often be when the victim is at their most anxious. They may worry in the lead up about the repercussions of being caught or by the prospect of upsetting their abuser. Stopping...
by Beth Simpson | Aug 1, 2023 | Domestic Violence
This is part 1 of a 4 part reflection of a grown adult who lived through parents in a DV relationship. Have you wondered what happens to children whose parents had a unhealthy relationship or domestic violence situation? As someone who has been through it, I am here...
by Beth Simpson | Aug 1, 2023 | Domestic Violence
Last week I said I was not directly abused, but grew up seeing my mom stay in a verbally and emotionally abusive relationship. That impacted me as a child, and carried on into young adulthood and even middle age (now). Because I didn’t know what a healthy marriage...
by Beth Simpson | Aug 1, 2023 | Domestic Violence
I often wondered why my mom couldn’t or wouldn’t leave my father when he treated her so badly. As a Christian, she would never consider a divorce, or even a separation. Over the years, the behavior my father exhibited gradually became worse. I remember working up the...
by Beth Simpson | Aug 1, 2023 | Domestic Violence
So, WHY was my father a mess and emotionally and mentally abusive to my mom? And why did she put up with it? We found out when I was about 25 or so, that my father had Aspergers Syndrome (now called high functioning Autism). He likely started with a mild case, but...
by Jan Porter | Jul 5, 2023 | Leaving
Exodus 14:14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. It is easy to read this scripture and think God is saying not to do anything. However, in my experience it is the opposite. Through my pain, being still has meant placing my trust in God. Anchoring...
by Jan Porter | Jul 5, 2023 | Leaving
Psalms 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. It is very easy to compare the success of others to your life. Especially if you are in a difficult season of...
by Jan Porter | Jul 5, 2023 | Leaving
Mark 4:39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. At times life can be a strong storm. The storms will be loud and distracting and all you want is for them to quiet down. Life storms...
by Jan Porter | Jul 5, 2023 | Leaving
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Life can be scary. It can require so much strength from us but this scripture reminds us that God has...
