NCJ Number
177789
Date Published
1994
Length
180 pages
Annotation
A family therapist who has counseled survivors and perpetrators of domestic assault discusses the nature and impacts of domestic violence and presents practical guidelines for use by Christian church congregations in understanding this problem and responding to survivors and offenders.
Abstract
The text explains the biblical themes that can be linked with social science information to offer healthy, Christian guidelines for family relationships. It also emphasizes that domestic assault involves the abuse of power within the family. It explores causes, dynamics, effects, and biblical themes relating to physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Subsequent chapters explain the healing process for a survivor of family violence, with emphasis on the inner resources and supports required; the motivations, spiritual aspects, and treatment needs of offenders; and appropriate responses by congregations and clergy. Other chapters discuss the nature of forgiveness and reconciliation; the differences between these two concepts; and the ways in which families can be strengthened by the lessons learned from power abuses within the family and from listening to one another, sharing stories, and giving love to one another. Case examples, figures, chapter discussion questions and reference lists, and annotated list of 32 references