RENEWAL CENTER FOR BATTERED WOMEN MINISTRY, INC.

Presents: Tell Your Story:  Dispelling the Darkness of Sex Trafficking

October 12, 2024

WHAT IS SEX TRAFFICKING?

Sex trafficking is to deal or trade in something illegal. Sex trafficking is human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced labor, or any other illegal services.

A working definition of sex trafficking is  a crime which involves exploitation [taking advantage ]  of someone  for the purpose of involuntary labor or commercial sex act through the use of  force, fraud, or coercion.

We understand that sexual abuse/trafficking is not a new phenomenon.  The names have changed, evolved  so to speak, to match the times but, women and children have been exploited since before  biblical times and in every culture of the world.

In this country sexual abuse /rape goes far back as 1492 in the founding of America by Christopher Columbus.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek….  To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD…. To appoint unto them that mourn in  Zion,  to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.”  Isaiah 61: 1-3.

“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done it is that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the sun”.  Ecclesiastes 1:9.

Source:  Columbia University https://freedomandcitizenship https://allintulane.edu www.rainn.org/articles/casaveact.org

In reality, there is domestic violence/ domestic abuse of some sort going on every minute of every hour, of every day, of every week, of every month. Domestic violence is ongoing.

If you currently in a domestic violence situation please contact Guilford County Family Justice Center at 336 641-7233.  Or the city and county where you currently reside. National Domestic Violence Hotline 1 800 799-7233, 800 787-3224 (TTY).

“The more that we choose not to talk about domestic violence, the more we shy away from the issue, the more we lose.”- Russell Wilson.

On an average 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the U.S. That is more than 12 million women and men over a year! That means domestic violence/ abuse is in your community and may be in your home. Domestic violence/abuse is ongoing: 24/7 and 365 days a year and we are here to help. Renewal Center for Battered Women Ministry, Inc. 336 988-7622.

“Never forget that walking away from something unhealthy is brave even if you stumble a little on your way out the door.” Unknown

A few Myths and Realities of Domestic Violence

Myth:  This kind of abuse is restricted to poorly educated families from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Reality: Abuse is found in all socio-economic backgrounds. An unusually high incidence is found among police, physicians, and men in the helping professions. Several studies show a high correlation between increased physical abuse and increased form an education among violent men.

Myth:  Intimate partners have always fought. It is natural and therefore cannot be that bad.

Reality: According to statistics the home, not the streets are the “nursery school of violence”. At least 85% of the men in prison grew up in a violent home. To eliminate violence in society, we must first eliminate violence in the home.

Myth:  A little slap never hurt anyone.

Reality:  The distinguishing feature of abuse is that is a pattern of coercive controls that may or may not include physical violence, but is characterized by its severity and intensity. It can last many years, and physical injuries can range from a black eye to broken bones. Over a third of the murders in this country occur when one family member kills another. Another result is a loss of self-esteem and reduced feeling of self-worth and self-confidence.

Myth:  Victims of abuse are masochistic and enjoy it. Otherwise, they would not stay.

Realty:   Victims of abuse may be reluctant to leave for a complex set of reasons including safety, shame, fear, lack of money, or concern for children. When a victim does leave, it does not guarantee that the beatings will stop. A perpetrator of abuse will often go to great lengths to trace their spouse or partner down, in order to continue the abuse. In fact, victims of abuse are more at risk for fatal injury at the hands of their abuser after they leave.

Myth:  Women batter their husbands.

Reality: Yes, women do batter. Figures indicate that there is one abused husband for every ten abused wives. The difference lies in the extent of the violence. Women receive the far greater physical injury than men do.

So, where did all this violence come from? The thumbnail version:

 “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon [Satan]…and [they] prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven…he was cast out into the earth and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:7-9 KJV Bible.

The nature of violence is well entrenched in all cultures of the world, and it has been since the beginning of time. As you can see from the above scripture, violence actually began in heaven by Lucifer. Therefore, it is not just a social phenomenatal that  presents  itself in certain social contexts, but it pervasive, demonic and spiritual in nature. It is meant to destroy people, marriages, and the family in particular.  Hence, it must be addressed by spiritual means. 

The Renewal Center for Batterer Women is dedicated to serve clients by helping to remove distress of domestic violence through education, counseling, guidance, and assistance in making better life choices through biblical principles, and practical applications.

“When it comes to abuse, you believe there’s no way out. There is always help. There is always a way out.” -Rev. Donna Mulvey

Presidential Proclamation — National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2012

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH, 2012

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A  PROCLAMATION

For far too long, domestic violence was ignored or treated as a private matter where victims were left to suffer in silence without hope of intervention. As we mark the 18th anniversary of the landmark Violence Against Women Act, authored by Vice President Joe Biden, we reflect on how far we have come. We have made significant progress in changing laws and attitudes, providing support to survivors, and reducing the incidence of domestic violence. But we also know that we have not come far enough, and that there is more work left to be done. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we stand with all those who have been affected by this terrible crime, recognize the individuals and groups who have stepped forward to break the cycle of violence, and recommit to putting an end to domestic violence in America.

Despite considerable progress in reducing domestic violence, an  average of three women in the United States lose their lives every day as a result of these unconscionable acts. And while women between the ages of 16 and 24 are among the most vulnerable to intimate partner violence, domestic violence affects people regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, or religion. Tragically, without intervention, children exposed to such violence can suffer serious long-term consequences that may include difficulty in school, post-traumatic disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, and criminal behavior.

My Administration remains committed to getting victims the help they need, from emergency shelter and legal assistance to transitional housing and services for children. We are also working to stop violence before it starts. Last year, agencies across the Federal Government held town hall meetings nationwide to promote men’s roles in ending violence against women…

While government must do its part, all Americans can play a role in ending domestic violence. Each of us can promote healthy relationships, speak out when we see injustice in our communities, stand with survivors we know, and change attitudes that perpetuate the cycle of abuse. We must also ensure that survivors of domestic violence know they are not alone, and that there are resources available to them. I encourage victims, their loved ones, and concerned citizens to learn more by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, or by visiting www.TheHotline.org.

This month, let us renew our efforts to support victims of domestic violence in their time of greatest need, and to realize an America where no one lives in fear because they feel unsafe in their own home.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2012 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to speak out against domestic violence and support local efforts to assist victims of these crimes in finding the help and healing they need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA