How common is abuse in intimate relationships?

Pastor Response

In my everyday conversations with other women I am finding that abuse is as common as breathing. It forms its ugly head in many disguises, including the claim of “love.” Some women are not aware that what they think is love and affection is merely control and abuse masquerading as love. One only has to listen to the conversations of our teens to know that abuse is too common among them. The young girl who thinks her boyfriend loves her because he calls her every five minutes or never wants her out of his sight is often not aware of the dangers of such relationship. The female who is isolated from family and friends by her intimate partner is in an abusive relationship but may not think so because of the misconceived notion that abuse is only physical. Hosea 4:6 My people perish for lack of knowledge.” In a roomful of women, if you count off in threes, one out of every three will be or have been a victim of abuse. It is so common that it is not seen for what it is. Therefore it remains the silent killer of mind, body and spirit.

Marguerite Lee