The nature of abuse

Abstract

Whose words do you think these are? The National Organization for Women? The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence? These are the words of the Roman Catholic Bishops of Quebec. It is a glimmer of light in what has been a very dark period in the history of the church. I will have more to say about this, but I think it helps us begin this day from a stance of confession. I was asked to begin by talking about the nature of abuse. I am pleased to do this, because I feel strongly that the way we define abuse will shape our efforts to intervene and to prevent abuse from occurring again. So I will take the time to comment on the nature of abuse, and then briefly analyze our social context in order to clarify what is happening among us. In many ways "abuse" has become a catch word. People now use it somewhat loosely to describe everything from a disagreement to murder. Some use "abuse" to talk about anything in a relationship which is unpleasant. Others see abuse as anything that lowers self-esteem. Because of the overuse of this term, the labels, victim and abuser, are also somewhat loosely applied.