Is It Abuse? Part 2

It was not unusual for Leslie (not her real name) to wear a turtle-neck. However, on this hot, summer day, it was odd. Her friend made a joking remark about it. Leslie broke down in tears. Her tear-streaked face revealed a black left eye. No longer able to hide the truth about homelife, she confided to her friend that her husband regularly burned her arms with his cigarettes, would drag her around the house by her hair, and sometimes he would hit her.

Physical abuse is a trauma that leaves marks on a person’s body and soul. As such, it is not limited to bodily harm. In fact, its aim is to psychologically control a person through fear. According to biblical counselor, Darby Stickland, abusers use violence to maintain control. Therefore, physical abuse involves not only physical violence, but also any act that could result in bodily harm such as throwing objects at a person, driving erratically, or depriving someone of sleep or medical care.

Some of the people that Champion Recovery Community gets to help are people like Leslie, victims of physical abuse. We offer support and resources to those who are able to escape this type of abuse. As you can imagine, abusers do not make it easy, physically or psychologically, for their victims to leave them. If you are interested in learning more about how to spot physical abuse and how to be an advocate for victims, reach out to us. Furthermore, if you have expertise in combating abuse and supporting abused people, we would love you to join our community. And lastly, if you suspect physical abuse and don’t know what to do, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (available 24-7): 1-800-799-7233.

Written by Dr. Erik McDaniel