The Thievery Of Abuse
How Abuse Robs
This article is presented to shine some light on the various ‘thieving’ components of abuse.
If we are to find and provide real and lasting solutions for those who have been abused then we need to understand the various impacts of abuse. We need to know what is needed for healing to come to those who have suffered abuse, by first realizing the effects and consequences.
Abuse not only causes damage, trauma and wounding, but it robs a person of so many vital aspects of their life. Abuse can rob one of their innocence, their free will, their ability to trust and experience love, their joy and peace, possible relationships, and future opportunities (among other things).
Some of the damaging results of abuse are the following:
The crimes of abuse are not only the events or acts alone, but they include other various crimes which will be highlighted below. Abuse includes many other forms of thievery and other harmful consequences to those who are abused. Below is a list of some of these damaging crimes:
-Abuse steals: innocence, self-esteem, one’s childhood (in cases of child abuse), joy, peace (abuse can cause immense anxiety, fear and even panic attacks), free will choice, one’s future dreams (some who have been abused have suffered various debilitating consequences and as a result have been unable to participate in future dreams, such as getting married, having children, furthering their education, having a dream job etc), and even years of one’s life;
-Abuse destroys: destroys the body (digestive issues, headaches, backaches and stored body pain, body memories/somatic pain), the heart and ability to trust, the mind by creating post-traumatic stress, trauma, damaged relationships (by either putting family members against each other if abuse originated in the family or hindering future relationships due to the effects of abuse);
-Abuse violates: the spirit (heart), soul (the mind, will and emotions) and body (the body is violated and can retain cellular memories of the abuse, damage to the reproductive organs along with other body systems due to trauma such as the brain, nervous system, immune system (many abuse survivors experience auto-immune disorders due to the trauma inflicted), etc.
Why Abuse Is Not Always A 'One-Time' Event
If one has experienced even one act of traumatic abuse then one knows that this is not only ‘one experience’ (in and of itself) because the effects of abuse may continue long after the event has occurred. In cases wherein abuse has been experienced over and over again, the effects are more far-reaching.
A person who has been mugged, held at gunpoint or physically and sexually assaulted knows that even one event of this nature leaves an imprint with severe consequences. Many traumatic events such as ongoing physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse have extremely devastating consequences which last much longer than the time of each experience.
In some criminal cases, a person has been placed in prison longer for stealing than another person has for sexual assault when the sexual assault has far greater and lasting impacts than the financial crime.
Sexual abuse assaults the spirit, the soul (mind, will and emotions), the body and the future aspects of one’s life such as things that would have been possible if the abuse had not occurred.
Putting an end to the thievery of abuse and providing adequate solutions for those who have been impacted will require learning about the various terrible consequences of abuse. The harmful effects of abuse need to be known and understood so that the solutions can be sufficient for recovery to occur. Sometimes one needs to be willing to know about the harsh realities about the subject for true healing and redemption to take place. Great healing can take place as people come together in boldness, courage and compassion to provide solutions for those who have been impacted by abuse. Ignoring abuse, denying the existence or simply telling people to ‘put the past behind them’ without providing the needed help will only cause the cycle of abuse to continue. Together people can put a stop to this cycle and be a source of great healing and help to those who have suffered. One may even experience more healing in their own lives as they are willing to learn how to help others who have been abused.
Below are some scriptures that reveal God’s desire to heal those who have experienced abuse:
John 10: 7-10
‘So Jesus said again, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I am the Door for the sheep [leading to life]. All who came before Me [as false messiahs and self-appointed leaders] are thieves and robbers, but the [true] sheep did not hear them. I am the Door; anyone who enters through Me will be saved [and will live forever], and will go in and out [freely], and find pasture (spiritual security). The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].’
Psalm 147:3
‘He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow].’
Isaiah 1:17
‘Learn to do good.
Seek justice,
Rebuke the ruthless,
Defend the fatherless,
Plead for the [rights of the] widow [in court].’