LIVING FREEwith Liz Johnson

Intervention on behalf of victims of abuse requires advocates to understand the diversity among the victims we service. In doing so, we understand that victims of domestic violence have a variety of needs.

Safety needs is paramount to victims of domestic violence. Advocates must be familiar with shelters and safe houses available to victims within the community, the state, and throughout the country. Victims of domestic violence also need information and education. Advocates must have resources and options available to victims. Advocates should also provide victims with education and information regarding the dynamics of domestic violence to assist them in understanding the impact of abuse on their lives and the lives of their children. Victims of domestic violence need resources. Through assessment of individual needs, advocates can provide such resources as food, clothing, housing, medical assistance, legal assistance, childcare, job training, education, transportation, and financial assistance. Victims of domestic violence need intervention through individual counseling, support groups, and counseling and support for their children.

As advocates, our primary goal after safety issues should be to work with victims of domestic violence to assist them in empowering themselves to break the cycle of domestic violence and live violent-free lives.

This cannot be done in one arena. This can only be done when the community as a whole recognizes that it will take a community response to meet the many needs of victims of abuse.

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our hearts, and knows all things. John 3: 16-20

Living Free Ministries

Liz Johnson

P. O. Box 2815

Reserve, la 70084

(985) 652-9938