In the opening chapters of Genesis in the Bible we find a clear contrast: between God’s perfect intention for relationships, and our reality of relationships. Our relationships aren’t perfect. And sometimes, too often, at least one partner is manipulative, controlling or physically violent.
Domestic and family violence is violence, abuse and intimidation between people in a current or recent relationship. It can happen in any kind of relationship — not just with husbands and wives or boyfriends and girlfriends. And domestic violence doesn’t have to involve physical violence or injury, to be considered domestic violence.
This message is part of a series called UNCENSORED: Conversations the church needs to have.These are conversations the global church, the Australian church and our church need to have.
The content of this message is rated PG, and some of the things we talk about could be distressing for you. This message could trigger some memories or emotions for you. We have made available a sheet of support options for the whole series, which you can download here. The relevant support options for this week’s message are below.
The statistics quoted during the message are from White Ribbon Australia, SAFER and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
The indications of domestic violence are taken from 1800 RESPECT.
The articles by Dr Julia Baird that I talked about and told stories from are here, here and here.
IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Tell someone you trust. Keep telling people you trust until someone believes you and supports you.
You can tell one of our pastors or anyone on our team. We’ll believe you and support you to get help. Contact us to make an appointment.
You can call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or find help at www.1800respect.org.au
You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online at www.lifeline.org.au
You can call Cairns DV Support (www.dvcairns.org) on 07 40336100.
You can call the police if you are in immediate danger (000), or anytime (131 444).
For the safety of children, you can contact Child Protection on 1300 684 062.
ONGOING SUPPORT
The suggestions above are very important, especially in the early stages. As you do those things, you may need additional prayer support or professional counselling support. We can help you with that too.
PRAYER SUPPORT
Sometimes it helps to have someone pray specifically with you about what’s happened.
The Lakes Church team
Members of our staff team at The Lakes Church are experienced in prayer, dealing with difficult things that might be going on. There is no cost for this. Contact us to make an appointment.
Pastoral Leaders
The Pastoral Leaders are our elders and are available to pray for anyone in the church. There is no cost for this. Contact us to make an appointment.
Cairns Healing Rooms
The Healing Rooms are a great, neutral place to go when you are seeking healing or a spiritual breakthrough in your life. You will be prayed for in a non-denominational setting by Christians with healing, prophetic or discernment gifts, who have been trained in safe and responsible prayer and healing. Hours & Cairns location at healingrooms.com. No cost, but donations are accepted.
COUNSELLING SUPPORT
If you are a survivor, a counsellor will be a huge help. What’s happened to you is big, and it’s too much for you to face alone. With their professional training a counsellor can help you process what’s happened and move towards healing. We can recommend a few different counsellors.
Liz Jenkins – Life Speak Counselling
Liz counsels from our rooms at the church. Liz uses the Living Wisdom counselling model as well as other models where appropriate. Contact us and we’ll put you in touch with Liz.
Jo Koskela – Living Wisdom
Jo is a highly experienced counsellor based in Brisbane who has worked with our church many times. Jo is available for counselling by phone or Skype. www.livingwisdom.com.au
Peter Funke – Living Wisdom
Peter is based in South East QLD, and is available for counselling by phone or Skype. libertycounsellingandtraining.com
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