Christian Counseling For Abuse

You Can Trust Restoration Counseling 

Domestic abuse shouldn’t be handled alone if you or your family have been abused or witnessed abuse. If abuse is still taking place, you or your loved one can receive help from Christian counseling at Restoration Counseling by learning about the situation in an anonymous and supportive setting. You may be able to sort out conflicting desires and values, create a safety plan, and make crucial decisions.

 If you have survived abuse in the past, Christian counseling can assist you in connecting the dots between what took place then and now. Christ and the practical procedures that you can discover through Christian counseling can assist you in recovering emotionally and living a new life. To receive assistance if you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact us now. If you require assistance, Restoration Counseling is ready to assist you.

Who May Need Domestic Violence Counseling?

Individuals who are currently experiencing abuse, as well as those who have experienced abuse in the past, may benefit from domestic abuse counseling. Domestic violence survivors are frequently characterized as women who have suffered severe physical abuse; however, not all survivors are women, and not all survivors experience physical abuse. 

Some victims of domestic abuse have never been physically abused, but they fear for their safety every day as a result of the psychological abuse they endure. On the other hand, there are victims of domestic abuse who suffer as a result of its detrimental impact on their self-esteem and day-to-day functioning, even if they do not fear their abusers. 

Essentially, regardless of how severe the abuse may seem, any abuse is intolerable. Individuals who have had their daily lives affected by the actions of another can benefit from domestic abuse counseling. 

Domestic Violence Counseling Services 

Survivors of domestic abuse may benefit from domestic violence counseling. Domestic violence refers to physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or emotional or psychological damage inflicted by current and former spouses or lovers. Domestic violence may also involve victimization by other household members, such as parents, siblings, relatives, or roommates.

Domestic violence survivors can receive counseling to help them heal and find safety. Restoration Counseling’s trauma-informed counseling services are available to adult, children, and teen individuals who were/are in abusive relationships or who experienced domestic violence as children. 

• Individual counseling – People may benefit from individual counseling if they want to discuss their emotions or experiences and work with their counselors to create treatment goals. Abuse is not experienced in the same way by everyone, nor does it have the same impact on everyone, so people need unique assistance to move forward. 

• Couples Therapy – Prior to starting couples therapy, there must be a safety assessment with the survivor, as it may pose a danger to them. However, there are situations in which it may be a safe and appropriate therapy to pursue. 

How to Get Help with Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can be physical, economic, sexual, or emotional in nature. An individual uses these abusive behaviors to gain and maintain control over their partner. If you believe your relationship is abusive or if you know someone who you think is involved in an abusive situation, it is important to seek help immediately. There are various resources that can help you and provide support. 

• 24-Hour Hotline – An advocate can assist you via an online chat or by telephone, 24/7, on the National Domestic Violence Hotline. You can get assistance through a confidential online conversation or by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224. You can also get assistance by texting ‘START’ to 88788. 

• Domestic Violence Support Groups – Having people to speak with regularly when recovering from domestic violence is crucial. Having ongoing communication not only helps you understand what you’re going through, but also provides support, validation, and resources from people who have experienced the same things.
  
• Housing Shelters – When you’re prepared to leave, you might need a safe place for yourself, your children, and perhaps even your pets. Shelters provide housing, clothing, personal items, hot meals, transportation, and, in some cases, monetary assistance. Emergency shelters are secure and confidential locations where you can find safety and comfort while you plan your next steps.

What is Domestic Abuse? 

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one individual to systematically maintain “power and control” over another person in a close relationship. More than 12 million women and men in the United States are victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence has an impact on the functioning of 3 out of 10 women and 1 out of 10 men who experience any sort of intimate partner violence. Domestic violence prevents the victim from taking control of their own life and takes away their identity by instilling fear through willful threats and intimidation, which can manifest in the following types of abuse: 

Physical Abuse

People immediately think of physical violence when they hear the words domestic violence. Physical abuse is harder to disguise than emotional abuse and is, therefore, easier to recognize. Physical abuse occurs when the victim is made helpless and the perpetrator gains control in the relationship by means of physical intimidation. Perpetrators of physical abuse may: 

• Grab
• Push
• Slap
• Shove
• Hit
• Stab
• Burn
• Bite
• Throw objects
• Threaten with weapons
• Withhold food
• Keep victim locked within room or home

Emotional Abuse 

It’s difficult to measure the extent of emotional abuse because it is not physical in nature. An individual who verbally assaults, shames, or diminishes another person’s self-esteem is committing emotional violence. Victims of emotional violence may experience direct threats of physical injury or indirect threats to their loved ones. Abusers may even threaten to injure themselves in order to manipulate their victims. Emotional abuse includes: 

• Neglect
• Withholding affection
• Ridicule
• Manipulation
• Threatening to hurt friends or family members
• Constant insults towards appearance, intellect, or capabilities
• Taking forms of communication away 
• Gaslighting
• Public humiliation
• Obsessive control over partner’s actions

Sexual Abuse 

It’s difficult to acknowledge and discuss the sexual abuse component of domestic violence. Many victims of sexual violence will be unable to identify it as such. Abusers use sexual violence in the same way they use physical violence: to dominate. Acts of sexual abuse include: 

• Forcing partner to engage in sexual activity
• Unwanted touching
• Reproductive control
• Sexual assault 
• Taking pictures of a sexual nature without consent 

Financial Abuse

Abusers who control their partner’s finances use their power to oppress them. Barring their victim from accessing money or keeping them on an allowance are two examples. Preventing their victim from earning money is another tactic abusers use. Financial abuse may include: 

• Refusal of individual bank account
• Controlling spending
• Issuing an allowance
• Denying the right to work
• The forcing of signing financial documents against the partners will

Who May Need Domestic Violence Counseling?

You require guidance, support, and safety if you are currently in an abusive relationship.  You may require assistance making the tough choices that will lead you to a safe location and ensure your wellbeing and that of your children if you have any. You may feel cut off and isolated.

If you were in an abusive relationship in the past and weren’t able to heal, there is assistance available for that as well. We frequently become so preoccupied with leaving a relationship, helping our children adjust, and establishing a new norm that we ignore our own emotional well-being. Since our abusers made us feel worthless and we believed them, we neglected our well-being. No matter the stage you find yourself in, the professionals at Restoration Counseling can help. 

Domestic abuse is an abhorrent act that Restoration Counseling condemns, regardless of the consequences. Domestic abuse, in any form, is antithetical to the Christian message and the Christ in the lives of families. With our help, you can heal and move towards the life you deserve to live.