Domestic Abuse Help

Service

Sunday 10:00 AM | 9090 W Oak St, zionsville, IN 46077

According to the World Health Organization, ONE woman in 3 will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime. Intimate partner violence is a systemic problem; a hidden epidemic in our churches, homes and workplaces. A woman can live in devastating oppression for years in her most intimate relationship without even realizing it.
 

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner through physical, psychological, emotional or sexual coercion. It may include insults, veiled threats, withholding funds or spending large sums without consulting their partner, angry outbursts, breaking things, minimizing, blaming or other patterns of behavior meant to scare, confuse, or cause the victim guilt and shame; all with the intent to maintain power in the relationship and assume a position of superiority.

Leaving an abusive relationship is exceptionally challenging, both emotionally and practically. The process involves acknowledging the abuse that’s occurring and finding support to leave safely. Barriers include a lack of money, a lack of a place to go, and a lack of support from family due to social expectations or a religious viewpoint.

Recently, an elder-led team was formed at ZF to develop a holistic approach to confronting domestic abuse. As a church, we want to be a community that emulates the heart of our Heavenly Father by caring for and protecting the oppressed among us, giving a voice to those who have been silenced through oppression. By understanding the impacts and dynamics of abuse, we wish to reflect the character of God in his concern for the oppressed.

If you have questions and would like to talk confidentially, please reach out to a member of the Domestic Abuse response team.


Deb Bissell (deb@resthoperepeat.com)

Gerry Bissell (gbissell925@gmail.com)

Robin Black (robin.bea.black@gmail.com)

Hunter DeKoninck (hunterdeko@gmail.com)

Christina Hunter (mrs.hunter3@gmail.com)

Debbie McWhorter (debsmcwhorter@gmail.com)

Taylor Sutton (tsutton@zionsvillefellowship.org)


Resources for victims & people helpers

MyPlan Safety Planning App: Victims can download this mobile app and receive personalized safety information and resources to help them decide their best path forward.


Is it Abuse? By Darby Strickland: Identify the toxic entitlement that drives abusive behavior and better understand its impact on victims -- including children who are raised in a home with domestic abuse. Become equipped to provide wise and Christ-centered counsel and to empower and advocate for victims while navigating the complex dynamics of oppression in a marriage. Good for victims and all people helpers.

 

Why Does He Do That? Lundy Bancroft—a counselor who specializes in working with abusive men—uses his knowledge about how abusers think to help women recognize when they are being controlled or devalued, and to find ways to get free of an abusive relationship. Although not written from a Christian perspective, Lundy, a man, is well qualified to deal with these questions, having been involved as a counselor and evaluator (for court) in thousands of cases.

 

TGC (The Gospel Coalition) posted this article in 2021 on Lundy’s book: Review: Why Does He Do That? Inside the minds of angry and controlling men by Lundy Bancroft

 

The Emotionally Destructive Marriage: Leslie Vernick helps you identify and break free from damaging patterns so you can move toward healing. Find your voice and reclaim your hope.

Chris Moles PeaceWorks: PeaceWorks' primary focus is to confront the evil of domestic violence, and educate the Church in domestic abuse prevention and intervention. Helpful for survivors and all people helpers.

Called To Peace Ministries: Resources for victims, survivors, friends/family, church leaders and counselors.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Victim resources. Safety planning. Live chat.

Sheltering Wings: A Christian Shelter and Support Group. 1251 Sycamore Lane, Danville, Indiana 46122. Local victim education, emergency resources, and housing. 24/7 hotline (317-745-1496).