Most Abusers Don’t Fit the Stereotype: Why This Dangerous Myth Puts Victims at Risk

 

Many people assume that domestic abusers are easy to recognize—angry, alcoholic men who openly assault their partners. This stereotype is not only inaccurate, it is dangerous. It creates a false sense of security around abusers who appear respectable, successful, and charming while using coercive control, manipulation, intimidation, and psychological abuse behind closed doors.

A man may proudly say, “I would never lay a hand on a woman,” believing that alone proves he is a good husband or partner. Yet domestic violence extends far beyond physical assault. Emotional abuse, coercive control, financial manipulation, isolation, and intimidation can be just as devastating and often escalate over time.

While substance abuse can contribute to domestic violence in some cases, it is not the defining characteristic of most abusers. Many abusive partners live seemingly normal lives, hold steady jobs, are active in their churches or communities, and present themselves as caring, responsible individuals. Their public image often bears little resemblance to the reality experienced by their spouses and children.

This misconception can have tragic consequences. Victims frequently seek help only to be dismissed because their abuser "doesn't seem like that kind of person." Friends, family members, church leaders, healthcare professionals, and even law enforcement may struggle to recognize abuse when the perpetrator appears calm, articulate, and likable.

The widely publicized case of Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie illustrates this problem. During a police stop, Laundrie appeared composed and cooperative, while Gabby was visibly distressed. Despite eyewitness reports that Laundrie had assaulted her, officers viewed Gabby's emotional state as evidence against her rather than recognizing it as a common response to ongoing abuse. Just weeks later, Laundrie murdered Gabby, highlighting how easily coercive controllers can manipulate perceptions.

Another example is Robert William Fisher, who was respected in his community, active in church leadership, and viewed as a devoted family man. In 2001, Fisher murdered his wife, Mary, and their two children before disappearing. He remains on the FBI's Most Wanted list. Like Laundrie, Fisher did not fit the common stereotype of an abusive husband.

These cases underscore an important truth: most abusers do not fit the stereotypes society expects. Many are skilled at presenting a favorable public image while maintaining power and control over their families in private.

Victims should never be blamed for entering or remaining in abusive relationships. The complex dynamics of coercive control, fear, emotional manipulation, financial dependence, and concern for children often make leaving extremely difficult. When victims ask for help, they deserve to be believed, supported, and protected—not judged based on whether their abuser resembles a cultural stereotype.

Recognizing that domestic violence often hides behind a mask of normalcy is essential to protecting women and children. Challenging outdated assumptions about who abusers are can save lives by helping communities, churches, professionals, and law enforcement identify abuse before it escalates into tragedy.

For more on this topic subscribe to: Christian Response to Domestic Violence

More articles: When the Nice Guy Is the Abuser - by Jocelyn Andersen

YouTube: The Face of Abuse Isn't What You Think

Is Jocelyn Andersen a Domestic Violence Coach or Counselor?

 

 One of my LinkedIn connections asked me if I was a DV coach or counselor as well as an author/advocate in raising awareness and educating on Christian response to domestic violence.

The picture (above/left) is me (far right) with an anonymous litigating Protective Mom (far left) and protective mother Amanda Joy (middle). We attended the 2008 Battered Mothers Custody Conference together. Our tee shirts read "SHINE A LIGHT ON DOMESTIC VIOLENC."

I write to increase awareness and occasionally speak. Most recently, I have been invited to speak at a church luncheon in the FL Panhandle.

I don't professionally counsel or coach victims. I do what I can, and I don't hesitate to refer to local resources, DV hotlines, or to the national hotline if a local one is not available. There is much more we can do, but in some cases, referring to the hotline and shelter is the only safe thing (for all involved--including the advocate...even if a relative) to do.

One awesome advocate, who is a survivor and very good friend of mine, was helped by her local hotline where she was counseled for quite some time before being helped to escape from her abusive and violent husband. She then lived in the shelter for months.

She sought help from her church leadership before calling the local domestic violence hotline, but they refused to help her because her abuser was the youth pastor there. 

I save the number to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, along with numbers to local hotlines, shelters, and resources in my phone contacts and advise others to do the same, especially pastors. It's not a Christian cop-out to do this, and it could save lives.

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.SAFE (7233)

Early in my advocacy I spearheaded a project to empower Church leaders and lay-Christians to respond knowledgeably, compassionately, and biblically to victims of DV. I received an overwhelmingly positive response from church members, but not a single pastor responded. The church members who were interested in heading the project at their churches couldn't get it past their pastor's desks. 

Here is a link to the original press release

http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/782355128.html

Here is a link to a more detailed announcement another advocate wrote about the project. It's a shame the project was stalled by church leaders. That was in 2008. Maybe it was before its time. Maybe I should try again. What do you think? https://ajoyrn.tripod.com/

Healing from abuse

 

When we are finally able to leave the hurt behind, we are much more effective in helping others who have experienced similar hurts.

All those years ago, when I was experiencing and writing about my insights into domestic violence, I knew that one day I would write a book about it, but I also kept hearing the small still voice of the Holy Spirit telling me I wasn't ready just yet, there was more I needed to learn...and to be healed from.

I couldn't help others until I was truly free in every way.

Today, I hold no animus against anyone. I lose no sleep at night being tormented by hurts others have inflicted on me. Giving abusers free rent in our heads doesn't bother them, in fact, they love it. But true freedom comes when we can sincerely pray for their freedom, for their happiness.

Doing so doesn't mean the abuse we suffered is minimized or invalidated, or that we must give them continued access to us by allowing them back into our lives. Their time for that is past. But it does mean that we can live our lives--every day--free from thoughts and emotions that will not only continue to harm us but others as well.

One thing that helped me walk away from excruciating emotional pain and crippling anger, was a question the Holy Spirit asked me, "WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR YOU TO FEEL VALIDATED, HOW MUCH PAIN WOULD HE HAVE TO ENDURE TO TAKE YOUR PAIN AWAY?"

I couldn't imagine that any amount of pain inflicted on my abuser could ever take my pain away or validate my suffering. In that moment, I gave it up. I knew I could never win that one. Wisdom is knowing when to throw in the towel, and my battle for validation and freedom from emotional pain was futile. I finally understood that it was a battle I was not created or equipped to win. That understanding enabled me to give all my pain and hard feelings to my Creator, who said, "Vengeance is mine..."

If those who hurt me were never sorry for what they did, then they have a bad time awaiting them. I don't wish harm on anyone, even those who caused me great suffering and distress. I pray they will come to true repentance and receive forgiveness from the only one from whom it really counts. My forgiveness is for me. My forgiveness is for my freedom. I have no control over theirs.

No one gets free rent in my head. And they shouldn't in yours either.

Grieving the loss of unwanted divorce

 

 Who do you know who may be grieving a loss due to death or an unwanted divorce (even if the divorce was a life-saving necessity due to something as ugly and life-threatening as domestic violence)?

The former we tend to remember and, with long-suffering and great compassion, usually support and encourage in their grief.

The latter we tend to view differently and, no matter the reason for an unwanted divorce, usually expect them to "just get over it" and move on.

Everyone deserves respect and compassion for their losses. Remember, whether we can relate to it as a loss or not (especially in the case of an unwanted divorce due to domestic violence or abuse), it may indeed be a terrible loss to them.

I remember grieving hard over divorcing my abusive spouse. I loved him and wanted him to get the help he so desperately needed. I wanted him to change. I wanted our marriage to work. But I knew my entire life would likely be destroyed or even lost if I pursued that dream. So, I was the one who filed for an unwanted divorce...and I grieved...and almost no one grieved with me (I write about that in my book).

Regardless of the reason for an unwanted divorce, give those who experience it time, support, and the space and encouragement to grieve their losses.

Today is National Grief Awareness Day. Who do you know who may be deeply grieving an unwanted divorce?

Woman Submit! Christians & Domestic Violence: 2nd Edition

The 2nd Edition of my book, Woman Submit! Christians & Domestic Violence, with revised and updated resources is available for preorder and free to read on Kindle Unlimited!

Tell me about yourself

I was asked to tell someone about myself in a few words. With 67 years of life under my belt, which aspect of myself do I share? Big sigh. The sigh is for me, not the question. That is a legitimate question but one I never fail to hate. Introductions at groups have always been difficult for me. So, I said a quick prayer and typed the following. I think it adequately describes where I am at today in my ministry:

 I consider my primary calling as a Bible teacher, though I have served on more than one occasion as pastor. In the early "90s," the Lord led me to submit to having hands laid on me and being sent forth. As you can imagine, being raised in a complementarian denomination, I was not totally comfortable with this. But I knew I was hearing from the Holy Spirit.

 

I was completely comfortable walking out my calling in an unofficial capacity. I was busy about the Lord's business and becoming known as a "Lady Preacher" held zero appeal for me. 

The first book the Holy Spirit led me to write was a book on Bible prophecy. I actually began the work writing about Redemption and saw, as it progressed, that Bible prophecy is all about the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Period. So simple. That's why I called it, "Redemption: Bible Prophecy Simplified. 

That being said, in 2003, God called me to address the issue of Christian response to domestic violence. And in 2008, I felt a strong leading to advocate for God's daughters in church leadership along with exposing the two-sided-coin of the complementarian issue of female submission to male governance and its correlation with abuse and domestic abuse/violence in Christian homes. 

The question was timely as I have just started a column on God and Women on another platform.

What about you? What brought you to my blog? Tell me about yourself!

Can Biblical Scholars be Questioned by Self-Educated Scholars?

Sometimes a word as used in the Bible does not align with the secular meaning, but academics assign it as such. Then someone notices that contextually or thematically this doesn’t make sense. At this point, are only academics permitted to say something, or can lay-people question academic inconsistencies when double-standards are discovered? 

Lay-people and non-degreed Christian leaders can and should speak out…though this can bring about persecution and ridicule designed to put the “unqualified” in their places.

The word, “beginning” in John 1:11 is a good example of what this article is about and, since it is virtually without controversy, the verse a good place to start. In this passage, the familiar account of Jesus’ “BEGINNING of miracles…” is told.

Let’s look at how the word “beginning” was translated from Greek to English. The Greek word, archē, is translated, here, as the innocuous word “beginning.” No argument there. But wait, the word archē can also be translated as origin, the extremity of a thing as in the corners of a sail, or leader. The word has a variety of meanings and is even used of powerful beings at the top of the angelic hierarchy, called archēs or archEns. Most of us know them as archangels. But in John 1:11, the word, archē, simply means it was the first in a series of miracles that Jesus did. It was not even listed among his greatest miracles.  

What is the significance of noting the variety of usages of the word archē, one use being the title of the powerful archangels and the other being the extreme opposite...the extremity of something so common as the corner of a sail or being the first in a series of things (either good or bad, important or menial things)?

The significance is to highlight the double standard of theologians, depending on their biases, in assigning narrow and unquestionable definitions to some words [against biblical evidence to the contrary] while allowing for greater variety in others. 

A few words in question have to do with carefully protected doctrines, such as that of hierarchy: Kephale (often translated as head with the meaning of leader) and Hypo (hypotasso often translated as submit). These words have other meanings and shades of meaning that in biblical usage do not always line up with the biased translation and narrow biblical definitions assigned to them. They have a variety of meanings, some being polar opposites, one example of this being the gamut in meaning of the single word, archē, from the powerful archangel to the relatively unimportant extremity of a thing. Kephale and the Hypo words can be shown to have variety of application as well.

Translator bias exists in even the most respected resources such as Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, W. E. Vines Expository of New Testament Words, and virtually all other lexicons and Bible dictionaries. Everyone knows that in certain places honored Bible commentaries [whose writers held to archaic ideas] must be taken with a grain of salt. Do we toss out the baby with the bath water because of that? Of course not! What we do is read and study critically.

Obviously, our Creator has not called everyone to acquire degrees in theology. Indeed, this is not even attainable for everyone. So, we happily defer to theologians for insight in certain areas, and rightly so. 

What we do not do, is surrender our power of reasoning to them. What we do not do, is allow them to believe that God has appointed them as guardians of his Truth when he has not.

But the Christian community, in their worship of titles and doctorates, appears to have largely forgotten this. Seminarians also seem to have forgotten that they are not any more intelligent than many without titles and seminary degrees, they simply have a specialized body of knowledge that they paid a great deal of money to attain and put in an extraordinary amount of time to acquire. 

This writer has witnessed theologians and lay people dismissing, talking down to, and being highly critical of self-educated Christians expressing biblical conclusions that differ from those traditionally taught in seminaries. There is a sinful “them and us” mentality between laity and clergy, which the Bible condemns. In fact, John wrote that God hated it.

The doctors (PhD’s) and lawyers of Jesus’ day were a class consisting of the scribes and politically powerful sects such as the Sadducees and Pharisees. Jesus never said, "Don’t become highly educated." He simply warned against using education wrongly and withholding knowledge from the people.

But look what happened in the Middle Ages, when the Bible began to be translated into languages lay-people could read. The ruling class, including church leaders, went berserk. Their exclusive applecart was upset indeed.    

Of course, academic double-standard extends beyond word definitions, and there are always exceptions to every man-made rule. A privileged few are accepted into the ranks of the ruling clergy (mainstream Christian leadership) without holding degrees in theology or ancient languages. These are not without controversy but are usually permitted to address audiences across denominational lines. 

Even so, their qualifications are strictly enforced. They do not all possess expertise in certain areas of non-theological study. Some are simply self-educated theologians, no different from the unsanctioned Lollards of Wycliff's day. But: 1.) They are all men. Men are given leeway for lack of theological training, whereas most women [scholars or not] are simply written off as feminists and ignored (not referring, here, to denominations and groups that accept women scholars and leaders) 2.) These untrained men either have powerful connections or are gifted speakers and prolific or best-selling authors.

This writer appreciates these non-theologian gatecrashers in being examples to all Christians that they too can [and should] research and learn for themselves.

We must hold theologians accountable. Don’t ever let anyone say that simply reading our Bibles is not enough. Indeed, it is always the first thing we must do to learn what is in it and, ... just as importantly, what is not in it. Just read it. We must do this every day.

READ OUR BIBLES EVERY DAY, ALWAYS PICKING UP TODAY WHERE WE LEFT OFF YESTERDAY. That is the only way to gain a comprehensive knowledge of what the Bible says and does not say. When we do this, then, and then only, can we build a foundation for further study. 

The definition of scholar is refreshingly simple. A scholar is "...anyone who has an aptitude for study." Our Creator does not limit his gifts and callings to a certain sex or to certain ones with academic titles. Anyone can become a biblical scholar. And many who are told they cannot, should.

This article is not written to disparage theological academics. It is written to highlight the dangers of dependence on the academics and to encourage all Christians to read and study for themselves. Then, and only then, can we spot inconsistencies and biases when we read scholarly conclusions from academic works.

In summary, hold theologians to account. Think for ourselves. Critically use the vast number of resources available to everyone in this technological age we live in. For the first time in history, the unwashed masses can not only read the Bible for themselves but also have access to much, if not all, of the resources that were previously available only to academics and professional scholars.

The beloved disciple, John, wrote that, “…the anointing which you obtained from HIM abides in you and you need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teaches you of all things and is truth and is no lie and even as it teaches you, you shall be remaining in HIM.”

Jocelyn Andersen writes and speaks on a variety of topics including Bible Prophecy.

She also writes about Christian response to domestic violence and God and Women. Her work has been Her work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, radio, and television. She is open to requests for writing assignments and speaking engagements.

Note from the editor: I read my Bible every day, always picking up today where I left off yesterday. I call this my “on-track” Bible reading. I have been doing this for over 45 years. It was the best advice I was ever given, and it changed my life. 

If you are not presently doing the same, I invite you to join me. How much you read on a daily basis isn’t important. It only matters that you read, feeding your spirit with a prayerful dose of the living and powerful Word of God.

Quick Link Resource Guide for Advocates of Biblical Equality of the Sexes

 God is moving among his young people and raising up advocates for biblical equality of the sexes. 

Many of us who have been advocating for biblical equality of the sexes, are getting up in age. I am approaching my 67th birthday and have been advocating for almost 2 decades. 

I started writing, Woman Submit! Christians & Domestic Violence, in 2005, and the Lord immediately began dealing with me about writing, Woman this is WAR! Gender Slavery and the Evangelical Caste System. He made it clear that if I only ran with the message of preventing domestic violence, without addressing the root cause, "other side of the coin" so to speak, which is complementarianism/male headship, that I would be running only half-dressed.

I am thrilled to see God raising up a veritable army of young advocates. This is a growing movement among young Christians. For that reason, in addition to my books, I put together a "Quick Link Resource Guide for Advocates of Biblical Equality," which consists of links to over 100 of my articles on the topic, all conveniently located on one webpage for quick reference.

I am 100% committed to supporting advocates of any age. 

Please share the link https://lnkd.in/ek5wtsq9

What is the Meaning of Predestination?

Does every person have a choice, at some point in their life, to choose Christ and live forever? Or, are all people, from the moment they are born, created for either honor or dishonor, for life or destruction?

Listen to the podcast

If the latter is the case, then the scriptures lie, and from the moment of conception, we are all locked into either the "life caste" or the "death caste."

If we are all, from birth to death, predestined to honor or dishonor, predestined to eternal life or eternal destruction, then why bother preaching the gospel to anyone, or attempting to live lives pleasing to God—Our fate is already sealed, right?

Fortunately, the scriptures do not lie, and the above hypothesis is not correct.

The God of the Bible is a God of redemption, and not of caste.

Romans 9:21, says that God makes some vessels to honor and other vessels are made to dishonor. Romans 9:22 says God endures with “much long suffering” the vessels fitted to destruction.

Pay close attention to what these verses say. They say that some vessels are made to honor or dishonor—not that they are made for these things.

This is an important distinction. The vessels, in verse 22, are fitted to destruction, and not for destruction. 

Remember, every word of scripture is God breathed, even the little words.

The word “makes,” in verse 21 (KJV), comes from the Greek word, poieo. Poieo, is a root word with a literal meaning of “make” or “do.” But, depending on context, the word has a wide variety of applications, some of which include the meanings of, commit, ordain, raise up, or appoint.

Someone can be committed to, ordained to, raised up to, or appointed to something at any point in their lives. It is not necessary that they be committed to it at birth.

It would not contradict the context of Romans chapter nine, or the definition of the Greek word, poieo, to translate verse 21 as, “God commits” some vessels to honor, rather than, “God makes [or creates] some vessels to honor....”

The alternate reading gives a different and clearer perspective on the passage.

A case in point is King Saul. God raised up and appointed a righteous young man, Saul, to become his ordained King over Israel (even though it was not God’s perfect will that Israel have a king at all). 

After coming to power, Saul made some personally destructive choices. Yet, he was also given freedom to make righteous choices. Few will argue that King Saul was given both option and opportunity to do things differently—to become a vessel of honor rather than dishonor.

Pharaoh could have done things differently, as well. Did the apostle really write that Pharaoh was made for dishonor and destruction? That, from the moment of his birth, he was locked into a cosmic caste system from which there was no escape?

Was Pharaoh really created for the sole purpose of condemnation?

Was the prophet, Jeremiah, lying when he wrote that God had a plan and purpose for all of us—plans to do us good and not evil?

No. He was not.

So, we see that the Word of God must be rightly discerned.    

Romans 9:22 speaks of vessels of wrath fitted to destruction.

The Greek word translated as “fitted” is, “Katartizo.” Katartizo has a literal translation of “complete thoroughly,” “adjust” or “repair.” Which makes perfect sense within the context of Romans 9:22. Deeper study reveals the word, Katartizo, is derived from yet another Greek word, “Katah.”

Katah is a root word, meaning “down.”

The meanings of the words, Katartizo and Katah, when combined, mean that Romans 9:17-22 [22]) is saying, that vessels are adjusted down to destruction. They are committed to that destruction only after God endures their sinful choices with “much long suffering.”

Taking the thoroughly complete definition of the word, Katartizo, into account, it becomes clear that God’s plan for Pharaoh was adjusted down, due to Pharaoh’s own poor choices. And, it was at that point, that he became committed [or ordained] to dishonor and destruction.

Setting aside English-Translation-Theology, a careful reading of Romans 9:17-22, makes it clear that Pharaoh was not committed to dishonor and destruction until after God had endured his sinful choices with “much long suffering.”

1 Timothy 2:3-5 states that it is not God’s will that any should perish but that all should come to the knowledge of the truth. If it is not God’s will that any should perish, then He is not going to violate His own will by creating anyone for the singular purpose of destroying them.

However, in his foreknowledge of all things, God knows who will, and who will not, choose life and godliness (Romans 8:29).

According to 1 Timothy 2:3-5, It is God’s explicit written will that we are all given [at least one] opportunity to choose life. The Word of God also states that Jesus died for the sins of the world, and not just for the sins of a predestined few.  

Romans 8:29 says that predestination is according to foreknowledge. And 2 Corinthians 6:2, states that there is a period of Grace in which the door to salvation remains open--today is the accepted time...today is the day of salvation 2 Corinthians 6:2.

But, if any refuse to accept Christ, the Bible says the period of “much long suffering” can pass. And, as with Pharaoh, the opportunity can be withdrawn.

The door can close.

It is at that point—and not one moment before—that God’s perfect plan for a life can be adjusted down. From that point on, one can be committed to, or ordained to, … destruction.

God’s power will be revealed. His purpose will be accomplished. And his name will be declared throughout all the earth, regardless of what individual choices are made or not made by his human creation.

God always gives us a choice. He is the one who said, “I have set before you blessing and cursing, life and death. Choose life, so that you and your children may live.

Subscribe to The Hungry Hearts Bible Commentary.

Jocelyn Andersen writes and speaks on a variety of topics including Bible Prophecy, God and Women, and Christian response to domestic violence. Her work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, radio, and television.

Review: Mike Bickle on Contemplative Prayer (part 2)

(Click HERE TO read Part 1)

 

"Contemplative prayer is an imperfect science." So says Mike Bickle, one of the Kansas City Prophets and a proponent of introducing Christians to what he refers to as, "CP" (contemplative prayer). Bickle has the following to say of contemplative prayer:

“… this is an imperfect science… it (the term CP) is not a term that is a biblical term… it’s an idea.  … there’s no place where Paul the apostle said the term CP means this… different ones throughout church history define it differently… I have 30, 40, 50 titles on CP in my home… any book on CP, I just buy 'em… at first it confused me because one person talked about it so different from another person, it took me a few of years to figure it out that there is no clear infallible definition…” --Mike Bickle in his audio message “Contemplative Prayer part 2”

Analysis of what Bickle said in the above quotes:

• CP is an evolving thing
• Contemplative prayer cannot be found in the Bible
• To one it means one thing. To another, it means something else
• He will read anything on CP, regardless of who writes it
• CP cannot be defined (This, as we will show, is not true)

The following is another Bickle recommendation on pursuing CP: “You’re gonna need resources to do it (to go into the deep waters of God). The Protestant world is really, really, narrow on the resources of contemplative prayer.”

   Editor comment: There is a reason the Protestant world is really narrow on resources of contemplative prayer. It is not found in the Bible!

    During the protestant reformation, people rightly claimed the Bible alone tells us everything we need to know about life and godliness. They formed their theology from the Bible and rightly rejected extra-scriptural revelation that did not line up with what had already been written (Isaiah 8:20).
    Contemplative prayer is not found in the Bible--except to forbid it. 

   Yet proponents of it, go right on assuring their followers that it is perfectly OK to pursue an unbiblical spiritual activity.
   Contemplative prayer is an unbiblical spiritual activity, and it is not "perfectly OK," neither is it safe. So, if it is an unbiblical spiritual activity, what does that make it?
   The Holy Spirit certainly cannot be a part of any spiritual activity that is unbiblical. So, what spirit is behind it? There are only two choices.
  As for Bickle's statement about Protestants lacking resources. That is a blatant lie. Christians are not lacking in resources to help us understand more about relationship with our God. The written Word of God, the Holy Spirit of God, and the ministry gifts provided by our Creator give children of God all we need to walk in the fullness of God.
    It doesn’t get any simpler than that.
    There are no gifts like HIS gifts. Don’t fall for cheap, soul stealing, counterfeits.
    Heed the words of the apostle: "I fear lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity which is in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3)

The New Age Coming to a Church Near You - Kindle edition by Andersen, Jocelyn. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Jocelyn Andersen challenges the status quo with an often non-traditional and out-of-the-box approach to biblical understanding. She writes and speaks on a variety of subjects including Bible Prophecy, God and Women, and Christian response to domestic violence. Her work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, radio, and television.