In April, Rachel visited a North African country where she had the privilege of sharing a Bible study with a group of women believers from Muslim backgrounds.
Listening to these educated women talk about being beaten by their brothers and fathers was shocking and saddening. It is acceptable to them. One girl’s father beat her outside her workplace and broke her arm. No one intervened, even though the beating was on a street and resulted in hospitalisation. She was worried about keeping her heart right and walking in love, grace and forgiveness! Since Rachel left, he discovered her Bible, came at her with a knife and beat her very badly. She needs prayer as she is scared in her home.
Invisible problem
Domestic violence is a massive social problem, but is generally invisible. It not only impacts women, but also children — both boys and girls. There is a cycle of violence in the home extending into the streets in the form of sexual harassment. Both issues are taboo.
