Shine a Light on Domestic Violence Ministry

12/24/2025

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, peace, and togetherness—but for many, the strains this season brings can cause domestic violence to escalate. Behind closed doors, some are hurting more than ever.
We remember that Christmas marks the birth of our Savior, the Prince of Peace. Jesus came to bring light into darkness, freedom to the oppressed, and healing to the brokenhearted. Violence, fear, and control were never part of God’s design for families or relationships.

This season, let us be more aware, more compassionate, and more willing to offer support. A kind word, a listening ear, or pointing someone to help can truly save lives. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know: you are not alone, and help is available. Reach out to us at shinealightondv.org/connect for support.

Let us be the hands and feet of Christ—bringing hope, safety, and love to those who need it most. 🙏✨

"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given; and the government shall be uponfn his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6-7

11/24/2025

11/20/2025

We brought nothing into this world, and we can't take anything out of it. Yet how often do we exhaust ourselves fighting against the very currents God allows in our lives?

Think about a rip current. When you're caught in one, your instinct is to swim straight back to shore - the shortest route to safety. But that's exactly what will drown you. The secret? Swim parallel. Move with it, not against it.

The same is true in our lives. We get tunnel vision, focusing so intensely on our struggles that we miss what God is doing around us and through us. We lose sight of the bigger picture while we're drowning in our own efforts to control the outcome.

Some rip currents in our lives are of our own making - cycles we create through our choices. Others are part of God's sanctification process, making us more like Christ. The key is discerning which is which, and learning when to swim parallel instead of fighting to exhaustion.

What if contentment isn't about escaping the current, but about trusting God enough to move with it? What if peace is found not in the absence of struggle, but in submission to His plan?

Name what's pulling you under today. Identify it. Then ask God to show you whether to step out or swim parallel. Because sometimes the way through isn't the shortest distance - it's the path that keeps you afloat.

11/17/2025

Great resource for documenting abuse!

New resource from our Safety Net team! 📝 We've updated "Documentation Tips for Survivors of Technology Abuse & Stalking" with new information, resources, and guidance.

Check it out if you're a survivor, know a survivor, or work with survivors: https://buff.ly/AyEN9F0

[Image descriptions: Against eight graphics, text reads: "Documentation Tips for Survivors of Technology Abuse & Stalking. Why would I document abuse? Documentation can help you see any patterns or escalations in an abuser’s behavior, which can help you make a more useful safety plan for yourself. Documentation is also important if you’re considering involving the police or seeking a restraining order. What can I document? Emails. Texts. Online Abuse. Phone Calls. Social Media. Think about your safety first. Sometimes, when abusers know (or suspect) that you’re documenting abuse, they will choose to escalate their behavior in order to maintain power and control. You know your situation best. Trust your instincts! Keep a log of all incidents. You might want to include: The date and time. The location or link. Details if you reported anything. Witnesses if there were any. Technology involved. A brief description of the abuse. Save everything related. While it may feel better to delete threatening notes and messages, saving them can help you see patterns, determine strategies for your own safety, and provide evidence if you need it later. Think about the abuser’s tech. Figuring out what kinds of tech you suspect an abuser is using can help you find evidence. Consider the type of abuse, the tactics involved, and what you know about the abuser. Document only relevant info. Your documented evidence could potentially be used in a court case if you choose to take legal action. Try to document only the things that are related to the abuse itself. How do I document? Screenshots. Screen Recordings. Photos or Videos of Your Device. Archiving Tools. Printouts." Safety Net logo at the top of each graphic. The Safety Net logo consists of a house and star with text reading: "National Network to End Domestic Violence Safety Net Project."]