Abuse in families

              Abuse in families 

“I have in my office a file of letters received from women who cry out over the treatment they receive from their husbands in their homes. They . . . tell of husbands who lose their tempers and shout at their wives and children. They tell of men who demand offensive intimate relations. They tell of men who demean them and put them down and of fathers who seem to know little of the meaning of patience and forbearance with reference to their children.” —President Gordon B. Hinckley (1990, p. 52)

https://stopabusecampaign.org/

In many countries, there are laws and regulations which are supposed to lower abuse rates. Nevertheless, abuse in every form is prevalent in societies and families. Abuse does not only include physical bullying, but it also means hurting people mentally, sexually, spiritually, and psychologically. People, especially parents, need to understand that words can also be abusive when they talk to their child, or when they do not care for the child as they should. There is so much that can be classified as abuse. For example, it happens when partners manipulate each other and try to control others. Abusive relationships include hurting people and making them feel worthless, failures, etc. 

Here are some specific abuse types identified by Hawkins et al (2011, p.249-269) :

• Child physical abuse
• Child psychological abuse
• Child sexual abuse
• Child neglect and deprivation
• Intimate partner violence
• Elder abuse
• Sibling abuse

Abuse can be one-time or repetitive. Also, even if the abuser leaves the person, its destructive consequences might remain for the rest of the life. Thus, people should consider their words and actions toward others very carefully. 

Let's be someone to whom people can turn for help, support, comfort, and healing!

Hawkins, A. J., Dollahite, D. C., & Draper, T. (2016). Understanding Abuse in Family Life. In Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (p. 249-269). Provo, UT: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.

Hinckley, G. B. (1990, May). Keeping the temple holy. Ensign, 20, 49–53.