Dealing Effectively with Domestic Abuse

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Eph 5:25).

This work examines the different faces of violence in our society and how a woman's body is sometimes treated as an object to be used. When one gender dominates and oppresses another, then the system needs to change. Following this line of argument, the African patriarchal society needs transformation.

Many women have suffered abuse at home and in society. Often removed from decisions that affect them, these women live with false stories of violence at home, suffering psychological, sexual, physical, cultural, and economic abuse. Through the grace of God, the reconciliation process starts with the victim of violence. However, the Church must create certain local conditions before reconciliation can take place, including interpreting and using specific gospel passages that refute domestic abuse, emphasizing the recent documents of the Church that promote the dignity of women and family life values, and forming parish support groups to allow victims of abuse to experience healing through rituals, prayers, the sharing of stories, seminars, and workshops.

The recommendations and methods enumerated in this work can be effective and fruitful in giving voice to the voiceless, liberation to the oppressed, and healing to the wounded women seeking redemption from their tragic stories.