Abuse

Topics in Christian Counseling

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.” —Psalm 147:3-6

Quick Facts

There are various forms of abuse including: physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, and spiritual abuse.
Abuse can be described as taking unfair advantage of a difference of power to take control of someone else.
One common thread that occurs across all forms of abuse is that the survivor feels powerless, which can occur long after the abuse has ended.
Survivors may react to abuse with shock, disbelief, denial, fear, confusion, anxiety, withdrawal, emotional detachment, sleep disruption, and flashbacks.
Physical and sexual abuse are illegal and must be reported. Counselors, clergy, and those who have regular contact with vulnerable people are mandated reporters, meaning they must break confidentiality and report physical and sexual abuse (or suspicion of such abuse) to authorities.

Actions Steps

Remember that you are a survivor and not a victim.
Healing from the trauma of abuse can be a long journey. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you seek healing and support.
Find a counselor who specializes in trauma and helping survivors of abuse. Consider finding additional support by attending a specialized group for survivors of abuse.
Learn how to grieve your losses—allowing yourself to feel will help you heal, regain control, empower you to set boundaries, and reestablish trust in safe people.
Abuse can have tremendous effects on one’s faith. Find a faith-based counselor, pastor, or spiritual leader you can talk to if you want to discuss your faith or questions about reconciling a loving God with the reality of evil.
Find compassionate family members and friends you can reach out to on the days that you need additional prayer and support.

Scriptures

Book Recommendations

Healing the Wounded Heart: The Heartache of Sexual Abuse and the Hope of Transformationby Dan B. Allender
Keeping the Faith: Guidance for Christian Women Facing Abuse by Marie M. Fortune
Verbal and Emotional Abuse by June Hunt
Journey to Heal: Seven Essential Steps of Recovery for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse by Crystal Sutherland
Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse by Steven R. Tracy

Bibliography

Clinton, Timothy E., and Ronald E. Hawkins. The Quick-Reference Guide to Biblical Counseling: Personal and Emotional Issues. Baker Books, 2009, pp. 221–227.
Hunt, June. “Abuse.” The Popular Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling, edited by Timothy E. Clinton and Ronald E. Hawkins, Harvest House Publishers, 2011, pp. 175–178.
Langbergy, Diane. “Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse: Trauma, Treatment, and Living in the Truth.” Caring for People God's Way: Personal and Emotional Issues, Addictions, Grief, and Trauma, edited by Timothy E. Clinton et al., Nelson Reference & Electronic, 2010, pp. 409–443.