Who can I talk to about my abuse?

Proverbs 17:17A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Proverbs 27:9The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Talking about an abusive situation is a struggle at many levels. Often the best place to begin is with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor. God puts good people into our lives to protect us and make us stronger.

Proverbs 12:18Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Proverbs 20:5Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.

Some people are blessed with great knowledge, wisdom, and experience in dealing with abuse. While friends and family know us well, sometimes it’s easier to talk things over with a professional who has a more objective view of the situation. Some pastors can be an excellent resource, offering godly counsel, prayer, and connections to others who can help. However, many pastors lack understanding and training in dealing with abuse, specifically. A Christian counselor or an abuse helpline will have the specific knowledge and experience to guide you on the road to safety and healing.

2 Chronicles 14:11Asa cried out to the Lord his God, “O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O Lord, you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!”

Psalm 23:4Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Romans 8:15So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”

2 Timothy 1:7God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Hebrews 13:5-6Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

1 Peter 5:7Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

In every situation, we can talk to our heavenly Father, our holy Counselor, and our loving Savior. He understands our secret struggles, our fears and weaknesses, and he loves us through them all. His Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in peace and confidence—even through the valley of the shadow of death. Though human helpers may fail us, God never will.