What Is Happening?
If you answered “yes” to two or more of these questions, you may be in an abusive relationship. Domestic abuse is a form of oppression. It occurs when a person controls and dominates their partner through a variety of behaviors, including intimidation, manipulation, and verbal assault. Violence is often involved, but a person does not have to be violent for the relationship to be abusive.
The Refuge
The Refuge is a ministry of Faith Covenant Church that helps survivors of domestic abuse find redemption from oppression. We come alongside survivors and offer them a number of resources, including a weekly support group. If you have little or no church background, or if you have been a Christian for some time, we encourage you to contact us by phone (752-2400) or email ([email protected]). All communication is confidential.
A relationship is not healthy when…
• You are belittled, and your value and your accomplishments are not recognized.
• You are threatened.
• You are slapped, pushed, kicked or hurt.
• You are kept way from your family and friends.
• There is extreme possessiveness or jealousy.
• Your partner insists on being together all the time, or on monitoring what you do when you are alone.
• You, your family, your work, your church and your friends are disrespected.
• You are ignored when you give an opinion; your likes and dislikes count for nothing.
• You are called names that are embarrassing and hurtful.
• You are blamed for all the problems.
from Nancy Nason-Clark and Catherine Clark Kroeger, Refuge from Abuse: Healing and Hope for Abused Christian Women (Downers Grove, IL. InterVarsity, 2004), 8.