Physical Abuse Headlines
Is Physical Abuse ever justified?

Depressing and embarrassing physical abuse headlines never seem to stop! A while ago, we saw in the headlines where one of our prominent young singers Chris Brown missed the Grammy Award show, because he allegedly got into a fight with his girl friend and singer, Rihanna. This scenario is probably played out in Hollywood more than we know. If true, such an episode has the potential to cast a dark shadow over a brilliant career (not to mention one's character).

However, often in our society, in our twisted way of viewing things, the celebrity becomes more popular than before such a negative incident occurred. My question to you is:

"What are the red flags you should look for in your relationship so this doesn't happen to you?"

It is sad to me when I see younger girls/guys in dating relationships where they are disrespected verbally (the beginnings of emotional abuse). There should never be an occasion where you are called outside of your name. If your name is Gloria or Thomas, you should never let anyone call you any B-word (B__ch or Bas___d). Not Acceptable!

My next move would be to get as far away from that person as possible immediately and permanently. Do not play with Fire and that is fire.

Respect for one another is the very least one can and should give to any person. Watch to see how that other person treats or talks to their parents and other relationships they have:

• Do they respect authority or is everybody against them (in their opinion)?
• Are they hot tempered and do they get angry easily?

The scriptures say, “Make no friendship with an angry man/woman because if you do you may learn his/her ways and find yourself caught in a trap.”

The book of Proverbs talks a lot about being angry, you should make it a point to read and heed the book.

In a dating relationship Verbal Abuse is never justified. Yes, I know people will tell you that they were just angry and they didn’t mean to say that to you, but remember this, “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Matt: 12:34) If a person comes at you like that, it is in her/his heart. (Red flag)

If you are dating and this happens to you, you are at risk of being on the wrong end of future physical abuse headlines. Tell somebody who is in the position to help you.(Dad/Mom/sibling/friend) If you are married to this person, make a plan where you can get yourself in a safe place.

Now, I’m not telling you to leave your husband or wife today, but if you see this is going to be repeated behavior, you must protect yourself, let someone else know and get some counsel. An abusive person will always tell you I’m sorry, please forgive me and It will never happen again. That might be true, but in my experience, nine (9) times out of ten (10) it will happen again and again and again.

We offer intensive marriage counseling services as well as premarital counseling, don't hesitate to contact us if you need us.