Heritage Lutheran Church


 

A Message from Lutheran Social Services of Indiana

Domestic Violence is a crime… even when committed by someone you love.  It is a pattern of controlling behavior which can involve physical, sexual, economic, emotional and psychological abuse to maintain fear, intimidation and power. It affects people in all social, economic, racial, religious, and ethnic groups.  Although anyone including children and the elderly can be a victim of domestic violence, women are by far the most common victims.

· One in three people will be a victim of violence in their lifetime.

· More than 50% of all women will experience violence from intimate partners.

· Every year violence between family members affects more that 2.1 million women, 4 million children and 1 million elderly.

Acts of Domestic Violence can take many forms.  It often begins with behaviors like criticism, threats, insults, name calling, and violence to objects or pets.  It may take other forms such as social isolation or control of access to financial or medical resources.  These behaviors may lead to physical acts such as restraining, pushing, slapping, punching, kicking, biting, or sexual assault.  In severe cases it may become life-threatening with behaviors such as choking, breaking bones, or the use of weapons. 

Talk to Someone

If any of these things are happening to your relationship (or to someone you love), talk to someone.  Without some help, the abuse will continue.  Your Pastor or Counselor at Lutheran Social Services will listen and help you find safety.  Remember, you have the right to live without fear or violence.  The abuse is not your fault.  You don’t have to walk alone.  God will be with you on your journey to safety and healing. 

Does Your Partner…

__ Embarrass you or make fun of you in front of your friends or family?

__Put down your accomplishments or goals?

__Make you feel like  you are unable to make decisions?

__Use intimidation or threats to gain compliance?

__Tell you that you are nothing with out them?

__Treat you roughly?

__Blame you for how they feel or act?

__Make you feel like there “is no way out” of the relationship?

Do You…

__Sometimes feel afraid of how your partner will act?

__Constantly make excuses to other people for your partner’s behavior?

__Believe that you can help your partner change if only you changed something about yourself?

__Try not to do anything that would cause conflict or make your partner angry?

__Feel like no matter what you do, your partner is never happy with you?

__always do what your partner wants you to do instead of what you want?

LSSI Contacts:

Northwest:  Rebecca Witzke, 219-838-0996 or 1-800-299-7491

The Women’s Center of Northwest Indiana 

Everyday at the Women’s Center of NWI, our mission is to help women facing an unplanned pregnancy, get the chance to celebrate “Mother’s Day”.  They are not thinking about how wonderful it is to be a mother, they are thinking about how difficult it is going to be.  We try to help them make a life affirming choice for their unborn child and also give them the tools to be a good mother, by offering them programs that address the issues that are so important to them. 

We are planning on getting our Medical Clinic up and running to full capacity.  We are working hard on getting our ultrasound available every week, for those who are the most vulnerable to abortion.  Statistic’s state that once a women sees the image of her baby and hears the heartbeat, 98% of the time, she is going to choose life.  This is an exciting way to expand our ministry to those in need and give us many more opportunities to share God’s love.  So, as you can see, The Women’s Center is moving ahead and we are glad that you have partnered with us, to share the good news of Jesus Christ.  Remember the Women’s Center and continue to keep us in your prayers as we try to  advance the cause of Christ in our communities.

Serving with you, Jackie Moffitt, Executive Director