Day 102: A Pandemic of Domestic Abuse

DAY 102

Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

A series of daily reflections for people of faith

by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland

WEEK FIFTEEN: WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020

A Pandemic of Domestic Abuse

“More than 90 countries are under lockdown with four billion people confined to their homes. However, little do most people realize that for millions of women ‘home’ is not a safe place during a lockdown. As the world scrambled to flatten the coronavirus curve, the domestic violence curve surged across the globe. In France…by 30 percent…in Argentina by 25%...The UK, US, Spain, India and other countries have all witnessed a rise in violence at home.” - A recent article in an overseas English language newspaper

The church where I was serving had installed posted notices in all the women’s restrooms with tear off slips alerting women of resources available should they find themselves experiencing domestic violence in their home. While some of the tear tabs were taken by women who either needed the information for themselves or someone they knew sadly, disturbingly, someone removed the entire posts from all the women’s restrooms. We can only guess why.

While some men experience domestic violence, the vast majority of the recipients are women who, from the time of the fall in the Garden of Eden up to now, have disproportionately borne the brunt of the sinful brokenness that marks the human race. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately “1 in 3 women in the U.S. experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.”  Second Samuel 13 recounts the rape of Dinah in what should have been a safe place, her own home, by her own brother and the subsequent tragic fallout of that abuse. Whether sexual, physical, verbal, emotional, mental or spiritual, abuse is abuse. 

“Husbands, love your wives,” says God in His Word, and it is not a suggestion, “and do not be harsh with them.” Colossians 3:19. Disobedience to this command harms both. 

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1.800.799.7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522

Reflective question:  Are you, or is someone you know, in a domestic violence relationship? If so, please contact the 24/7 hotline above.

Reflective Scripture:  1 Corinthians 13 is read at weddings but it applies to marriages: read it together, and share what each phrase means to you in your relationship.

Reflective hymn:

“God of Love, We’ve Heard the Teaching” – Carolyn Gillette © 2016

God, we’ve heard a world of teachings; show us what is really true –

That you weep with those who suffer as they daily face abuse.

You want couples to be loving and to listen, share and give,

This is mutual submission; this is how we’re called to live.