An End to Domestic Violence

Scenario 1: Isabel's parents have come for a visit. They  share an enjoyable evening with their daughter and her husband, marked by pleasant conversation. What parent would not beam with pride at the man their daughter married? He is so kind to her. 

Scenario 2: Frank is boiling with rage. Once again, he will take his anger in typical fashion-which for him means hitting his wife in the face, kicking her, pulling her hair, or repeatedly knocking her head against the wall.

It might surprise you to learn that both of those scenarios are about the same couple.

Like many perpetrators of domestic  violence, Frank knows how to put on a "good guy"  pretense when he is in the public eye or with his wife's parents.  But when he is alone with his wife, Frank is terribly cruel.

Many men like Frank grew up in violent families, and as adults they think that their behavior is acceptable-even normal. But there is nothing normal about domestic violence. That is why most people are appalled when they learn that a man has battered his wife.

Still, domestic violence is disturbingly common. In the United States, for example, one survey found that during one day an average of over 16 calls per minute were directed to domestic-violence hotlines across the country. Domestic violence is a worldwide epidemic, crossing cultural, economic, and social groups.  Since many incidents go unreported, no doubt the situation is worse than statistics reveal. 

Reports of domestic violence raise the questions. How can a man come to the point of treating anyone -let alone his wife-so outrageously?  Can men who batter their wives be helped? 

Jehovah's Witnesses, the publishers of this magazine, believe that the Bible's practical advice can violent spouses change their behavior. Is such a reversal easy?  (Note: No, the abusers have to realize they have a  problem first, just an alcoholic. But I don't believe they can  unless they believe in God (maybe) and their pride and macho machismo doesn't take over. But first they have to acknowledge this  violent nature of theirs and  admit to it. But most of them just keep up this violent nasty nature of theirs. Been there, that's how I know and the last time I heard, before he died, he had not changed his ways, he finished up by brainwashing our children and poisoning their minds. These violent men  have two sides, the pretend nice guy in public and  the evil  abuser at home.)   No. Is it possible?  Yes! Bible education has helped many to replace a violent disposition with one of kindness and respect.  (Colossians 3:8-10)  Consider the experience of Troy and Valerie.  

Note: How many are many men who are changed? There are still thousands more, maybe millions that can't be helped,  Half of them do not even know what a Bible is, much less pick one up and read one.    They  love full control of the wife, and most of them make their wives cut off any contact with friends or relatives and are obsessive and possessive and demand to know where you are at all times, that is if they let you drive anywhere or drive at all.  They will apologize and say they will never do it again, and then go right back and do it. this just continues on and on. If I had not gotten away, he would killed me and nearly did when I was with him. Do not trust these guys. I believe some will pretend to be changed, but I would not hold my breath for any real changes of these people.  And to let you know,  some men get abused by their wives. This behavior from anyone to their spouse is wrong in every sense of the word. But basically, it usually just the women who get beaten, and there is also verbal abuse among other ways. There is brainwashing in making you think that it is your fault. It isn't! It is a sickness and I believe Satan has a hand in that regard. 

Next time: An End to Domestic Violence - What was you relationship like at first? 

From the jw.org publications