MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Oct. 1 marked the annual start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Celebrate Recovery (CR) Maryville aims to inform and educate the public on this serious issue and provide a way to help victims and the loved ones of those who have suffered or still continue to suffer from domestic violence.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, every nine seconds a woman in the U.S. is assaulted or beaten. It also notes that one in three women and one in four men have experienced domestic violence in her or his lifetime. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in this country, which equates to more than 10 million women and men each year.
The statistics are staggering, and no age, race or socioeconomic difference is completely immune from this issue. Many victims suffer silently for fear of stigma or retaliation. Even when a victim escapes or the abuse stops, the journey toward healing and recovery is ongoing. For some, it is life-long.
Cathy Finney, a member of Celebrate Recovery Maryville, suffered domestic physical abuse as a child. As an adult, Cathy was led to seek therapy to deal with the lasting effects through counseling. This began her journey with her husband toward healing the wounds of the past. Because of what she had suffered, she had difficulty understanding the basics of a normal relationship.
After moving to Maryville and attending First United Methodist Church Maryville, Cathy deepened her commitment to recovery and growth by becoming involved with CR. She knew that because of her personal story she would have something to offer others in the recovery process. “The worship services are so uplifting. Having been through my own difficult and painful journey, through the help of God and others, I see the world in a completely different light. I am inspired by the stories of other people and motivated to help in whatever way I can,” said Finney.
Growth and support through programs including Celebrate Recovery have allowed Cathy and many others to heal and push forward to a brighter and healthier life with improved relationships.
CR aims to stand alongside victims and loved ones who may have experienced domestic abuse. No matter where they are in the recovery process, CR provides a safe, non-judgmental place for them and can bring much support and hope through small group sharing sessions. The group that best addresses the issues associated with domestic violence is “Life Hurts, God Heals” which focuses on the effects of co-dependency, depression, anxiety and grief, covering the steps necessary to heal.
Celebrate Recovery meets each Wednesday beginning with a light meal at 6 p.m., worship at 7 p.m. and open share groups at 8:10 p.m. Newcomers are always welcome, childcare is provided and transportation can be arranged.
For more information, visit www.CRMaryvilleTN.com, call the church at (865) 982-1273 or Larry Campbell at (865) 643-7627.