You’re not alone. There is help. It’s not your fault. There is hope.
Domestic Violence comes in many forms. It can be physical (beating, hitting, biting for example) verbal
(insults, put downs, breaking someone’s self-confidence), or sexual (rape, abuse). No form of violence is
acceptable.
Many victims feel they have no choice. They’ve been conditioned by the abuser this is ‘normal’ and they
are not ‘worthy’ of anything else. Nothing could be farther from the truth. God created us all in His
image, and likeness, which makes each and everyone of us worthy. Worthy to live a life free of fear of
when a partner comes home, and what ‘kind of mood will walk through the door’.
- 24 people every minute are victims of sexual, or physical violence.
- 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical abuse by an intimate partner.
- Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.
- 19% of domestic violence involves a weapon.
- 43% of dating college women report experience some violent and abusive dating.
(Stats taken from NCADV.org and eNOghnc.org)
These statistics are nothing short of frightening. It’s time to say NO MORE. We are all God’s children
and deserve the respect and freedom to life God granted us. If you or someone you know is a victim of
domestic violence of any kind, understand it’s not their (or your) fault. This individual is the victim.
Get help – get out. Contact one of the resources listed below in Jackson County for professional
assistance. It’s time to live life God intended.
- REACH of Jackson County (also serving Macon County) 24/7 hot line 828-586-8969
- Center for Domestic PEACE 828-586-1237 (Services available in English & Spanish)
- Swain/Qualla SAFE Domestic Violence Services 828-488-6809
God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just You gave Your only Son to save
us by the blood of His Cross. Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to Your own suffering the pain of all
who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed and the cries of those who
love them.Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their
cause, enlightened by Your truth. Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, Heal your people’s wounds and
transform brokenness into wholeness.Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our
prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer from USCCB.ORG