WALKING WITH DOMESTIC ABUSE SUFFERERS
By Helen Thorne
IVP. 112 pages. £7.99
ISBN 978 1 783 595 952
In this book Helen Thorne sheds light on a dark reality – that abuse between adults within the home is an immense and growing problem.
It is not only seen in society at large, but as Thorne points out, members of our Christian community are often the abused or the abusers. We who are friends, pastors, counsellors, or safeguarding officers should be prepared to listen, speak the hope of the gospel, and practically help our suffering brothers and sisters. So pick up this book!
Step-by-step helps
We are given a window into the world of those suffering various types of domestic abuse, and shown the unique way abuse affects a person emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. The book offers numerous step-by-step helps for how to navigate conversations with those who have confided in us. They may have developed a distorted view of themselves and God. Guidance is given on practical steps to take if you need to move swiftly to keep them from danger.
Most importantly, Thorne does not ignore the great need for the abused to reflect on their own heart response to the abuse. This is where true life change begins, and she guides the reader to, lovingly and with great care, counsel their suffering friend to view God rightly and find hope in the gospel of Christ.
We are not all called to be social workers or professional counsellors, but in the family of God we are called to bear one another’s burdens and build one another up in Christ. As stated in the introduction to this book, we can begin in our churches to create ‘a culture where people share their lives in ways that mean abuse can come to light’. And with the help of insightful books like this, we can grow to be equipped, both spiritually and practically, to walk alongside those suffering in darkness.
