You might recall meeting him once, perhaps at a gathering or through mutual friends—he possesses an undeniable charisma that draws people in, his romantic gestures seem genuine, and his devotion is apparent. It's easy to see why everyone adores him at first glance. When he asks you out on a date, you feel a flutter of excitement, ready to explore this enchanting connection. The early days are filled with delightful moments; he truly is wonderful. But as the months roll by, small, troubling signs begin to surface—initially, you brush them aside, convincing yourself they're just quirks. 

 

What felt like a whirlwind romance swiftly transforms into a nightmarish reality. The delightful sounds of wedding bells turn into sorrowful lullabies echoing through your home, once filled with laughter but now shrouded in fear and resentment. His protectiveness, which once felt like a warm embrace, morphs into a suffocating grip of control. That charming smile, which once made your heart race, is now weaponized, used to manipulate your feelings. The romantic gestures you cherished turn into expressions of bitter jealousy, and what was once devoted affection devolves into a consuming obsession.

 

You give your all trying to please him, but lately, his behavior has become increasingly erratic and uncontrollable. In the dark corners of your home, your children weep quietly in their rooms, unaware of the turmoil that unfolds, while you endure relentless abuse in the kitchen. Each morning, you find yourself waking up, struggling to come to terms with the reality of your situation, all the while masking your bruised eyes and swollen face with layers of make-up to conceal the truth.

 

It’s a common misconception that women choose violent partners; rather, violent men are often cunning predators, methodically seeking out their victims.

 

Domestic violence is not just a troubling occurrence; it is a criminal act—a calculated series of assaults and controlling behaviors that one partner inflicts upon another to seize power and maintain dominance. This includes not just physical aggression but also psychological and sexual abuse, reinforcing a cycle of fear and control.

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• In 2023, Georgia had 163 domestic violence deaths: 92 victims, 27 bystanders, and 44 perpetrators (Georgia Crime Information Center, 2024).

• Over the five-year period from 2018 to 2023, nearly 4 out of 5 primary victims killed in domestic violence incidents were women (Brooks, C., & Abdelmageed, S., 2024).

• In 2023, Georgia's certified family violence and sexual assault agencies answered 118,600 crisis calls (Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, 2024).

• There were 37,653 incidents of family violence reported in Georgia in 2023 (Georgia Crime Information Center, 2024).

• Each year, more than 10 million men and women are physically abused by an intimate partner (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).

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Why does she choose to stay? Fear is often the leading reason. The FBI reports that nearly 40% of female homicides each year happen when a woman decides to leave an abusive relationship. Her fears are completely valid! This highlights the importance of taking her feelings of fear seriously. If she has made the choice to leave, it's crucial to create a safety plan to help ensure her well-being.

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​"He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant.

The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil,

yet they were drawn swords. Cast your burden on the LORD, and he shall sustain you;

he shall never permit the righteous to be moved."

- Psalm 55:20-22 

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