October- Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Awareness month

This month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. According to the USCCB, domestic violence is any violence in the form of physical, sexual, psychological or verbal- it is sinful and many times it is a crime. (When I cry for help, USCCB, 2002) Domestic violence is also a pattern of coercive behaviors perpetrated by one person with the goal of establishing power and control over the victim. The coercive behaviors may include physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, progressive social isolation, economic deprivation and intimidation. (FBI and Ohio Medical Association definition)

Prayer intention for this month:

That victims of domestic violence and their abusers may break their silence, cry out to God and find help from caring and wise people.

“Kindle a flame Lord, to lighten the dark and take all fear away.”

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, through your unconditional love made manifest in your beloved Son Our Lord Jesus, you showed us how to manifest love, care and respect in our relationships. In our community many women, children and men are beaten and abused by those who claim to love them.
Help us to be more caring in our personal relationships and that our community be a safe environment for those who are battered. Show your love and mercy to the abusers, that they may seek sincere help and healing. We ask this through Christ Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost… as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen