Is It Abuse?: A Biblical Guide to Identifying Abuse and Helping Victims

The statistics are deeply concerning. The stories are hard to hear. Church and ministry leaders wonder how to uncover the truth in fraught domestic situations. Counselors work to separate typical marriage conflicts from oppressive ones. Women worry as friends seem to wither before their eyes. And many wives feel confused and uncertain: “Is my husband’s behavior normal?” Is it abuse? With so much at stake, it’s important to get the answer right. For years biblical counselor Darby Strickland has served women in oppressive marriages. Now she writes to anyone who wants to help. Providing case studies, reflection questions, inventory questions, and thought-provoking exercises, she prepares the reader to pick up on concerning cues and to explore them appropriately. You will learn how to identify the toxic entitlement that drives abusive behavior and better understand the impact of abuse on victims. Ultimately, you will become equipped to provide wise and Christ-centered counsel while carefully navigating the complex dynamics of oppression in a marriage.