By River Grace Outlaw It happens…a lot. Domestic violence rates are substantially higher in military couples. Let me preface this story with my awareness that my story is just one experience out of many, and every story is different. I was a starstruck bride as we...
Survivor Stories
The Power of Community to Heal Domestic Abuse
Written by Lauren Rose as told by "Amanda" Wow, I've just returned from an incredible mountain top experience — both figuratively and literally! I was a very fortunate scholarship recipient of the 2023 He Makes All Things New women's retreat, and want to thank those...
“Juliette” and Her Children Discover God’s Provision After Domestic Abuse
Written by Lauren Rose as told by "Juliette" Before my marriage, I was independent with an established career. I rented a home from my parents, I had a low car payment (almost paid off), and my credit score was good. When I first met my husband, he was charming, but...
“LaShronda” Finds a Slice of Heaven After Domestic Abuse
Written by Lauren Rose as told by "LaShronda" The abuse I endured in my marriage was horrendous. I suffered through multiple physical assaults. I once picked up his phone, and he punched me so hard it broke my nose. If I confronted him, he would state that he ‘wanted...
“Ashley” Finds Community and Purpose at our Women’s Retreat
I'm crying just thinking back at how much God has done in my life through the Called to Peace Ministries He Makes All Things New 2022 Women's Retreat. I learned about the Retreat from my CTPM online support group. As a newly single mother of two toddlers, I knew I...
Peace on Earth
By: Joy Forrest This has been one of the hardest years of my life, and that’s saying a lot, because I have suffered greatly in my time on this earth. Yet, in all my trials and tribulations, I have learned that suffering can be a beautiful opportunity to connect to...
Catherine Breaks the Cycle of Generational Abuse
As told by Catherine, written by Lauren Rose Catherine connected with Priscilla, a Called to Peace Ministries advocate, to help a friend. But as she began talking with Priscilla, her own story spilled out. Physical abuse was heavy at the beginning of our marriage, but...
A Thank You Letter From A Survivor
Dear Donors, Last Christmas, we were abundantly blessed by Called to Peace Ministries (CTPM).We have received cards, letters, presents, gift cards, and checks every Christmas for the last six years. Though humbling, receiving support was normal because I was a career...
The Self-Righteous Narrative of Abuse
By: Joy Forrest Perhaps in recent years you’ve noticed that a mean spirit has become pervasive in our culture. It’s most apparent on social media where anybody, and everybody, can express their opinions loudly and publicly without regard for others. It has not only...
Part Two: “Christine’s” Church Did it Again! Twice, They Demonstrated Covenantal Christ-like Love to HER!
Part Two: as told by “Christine,” written by Lauren Rose Remember Part One: "Christine" whose church introduced her to love after abuse? In the first part of her previous story, she asked her pastoral care pastor, "How can someone understand covenant love when the...
The Generational Impacts of Domestic Abuse: “I equated love with abuse!”
As told by Elise; written and introduction by Lauren Rose Elsie grew up in a violent home. She has seen first-hand, the far-reaching impacts of domestic abuse on multiple generations. It doesn’t just affect one family, but it trickles into each subsequent generation’s...
“Katie” Discovers the Gift of Genuine “Healing” After Domestic Abuse
As told by “Katie,” written by Lauren Rose The year before my marriage, God brought me to a place of self-examination where I realized I wasn't as Christian as I thought. I surrendered my life fully to Christ, and my life changed tremendously. There is much more to my...