Friends Helping Friends: Identifying Abuse in Marriage

There’s a good chance that you know someone at church or at work who feels trapped in an abusive marriage. Three-quarters of Americans know someone who is a victim of domestic violence. According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 1 in 4 women experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner.

As that person’s friend, you’re in a natural position to help. A lot of people in abusive relationships won’t seek out a counselor, but they will talk with a trusted friend.

But what do you say? What do you do?

Darby Strickland is a counselor and author of the book Is it Abuse? A Biblical Guide to Identifying Domestic Abuse and Helping Victims. She’s also our guest on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Friends Helping Friends: Identifying Abuse in Marriage.” She has a lot of practical ideas that you’ll want to consider.

Although some men who are listening are suffering in abusive marriages – the focus of our conversation will be women, who make up 85% of domestic abuse victims. However, Darby’s counsel generally works both ways.

On our program, she defines abuse in marriage and explains the different types of abuse. She also offers practical ways to help your friend. Listen to our full conversation on your local radio station, online, on iTunes, via Podcast, or on our free phone app.

If you’re in an abusive marriage or know someone who is, remember that we have caring Christian counselors on staff, and it would be their privilege to offer you a free consultation. Call us, leave your name and number, and they’ll get back with you just as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Before I close, I’d like to invite you to join us in ministry. Whether it’s a spouse in an abusive relationship, a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, or a couple on the brink of divorce, Focus on the Family is stepping into dark situations every day to provide real help. For a gift of any amount, we’ll send you Darby’s book Is it Abuse? A Biblical Guide to Identifying Domestic Abuse and Helping Victims. Visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).