Six Steps Toward Recovery from Abuse

When you are in the midst of an abusive relationship it is hard to see any way out, and even if you escape the relationship the scars of the abuse often remain for years. Yet the message of God’s Word is that you do not have to be forever scarred by the trauma of abuse. There are ways to bring about healing. We want to share some important steps in recovery with you here, including a specific message of God’s Word about how you can enter into a new life.

1. CONFRONT THE SECRET

All forms of abuse foster damaging secrets that attempt to hide the event. Denial, blocked memories, and fabricated personal histories only serve to make the scar of abuse deeper.

2. ADDRESS PHYSICAL NEEDS

Victims of abuse often report severe physical conditions such as migraines, stomach and back pain, or eating disorders. They may also experience terrifying panic and anxiety attacks or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

3. ADDRESS FAMILY OF ORIGIN ISSUES

Unfortunately, most acts of abuse are inflicted by family members of the victim. Working through the pain and emotional baggage of the dysfunctional family is a significant aspect of life-long abuse recovery.

4. BUILD RELATIONSHIP SKILLS

Because of defensive reactions and lack of use of relational skills, victims of all types of abuse must often learn – or re-learn – how to establish and maintain healthy and happy friendships and marriages. The patterns of victimization, manipulation, and codependency must be broken in order to establish new patterns of mutual acceptance, respect, responsibility, and self-determination.

5. DEVELOP AN EFFECTIVE, PRACTICAL RECOVERY PROGRAM.

Recovery from abuse is not simply an event, but rather a process. Abuse recovery means you have developed the skills, the health, and the personal insight to live, love, and laugh in the reality of the world as you find it. A caring counselor or support group can be invaluable in that process.

6. ESTABLISH AN ABIDING RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IN JESUS CHRIST.

These first steps can bring about some level of recovery in themselves, but life can never be all it was meant to be until the issues of self-image, forgiveness, and courage to overcome are rooted in a sense of God's acceptance and providence. He is the loving Parent who never fails us, whose mercy and grace can give the strength and wisdom to move beyond the pain of the past to find hope for the future. Jesus Christ offers you a life of worth, love, purpose, and fulfillment: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).

We have prepared a page that explains how you can accept Jesus Christ’s gift of life. Perhaps you want to find a place in your local community where you can receive help and encouragement. We will be happy to refer you to a local Baptist church for help. Please fill out and submit the request form here.

Suggested Resources

The first and most important resource for any need is God’s Word, the Bible. We have suggested some Scriptures which apply to this topic. For additional suggestions, see our page, Where to Look in the Bible.