By Jehovah’s Witness
“My husband threatened to stab me to death on several occasions. One time he beat me unconscious. I often had to leave my children with their violent father for weeks while I ran and hid for my life…” This is what Zenobia Mwakivike went through for years.
Zenobia’s husband did not like her choice of religion and made it his goal to assault her until she changed her mind. But what surprised her even more was that her own father and brother-in-law supported the violence. They did not suggest a better way to solve the issue, saying that the husband had a right to beat her if he did not agree with her choices.
Sadly, Zenobia is not alone. Many women are subjected to violence by people who claim to love them. And the situation does not get better in public. Cases of sexual harassment, rape, robbery, and femicide make the news too often.
Even though many governments have ratified legislation designed to protect women’s safety, women remain vulnerable to acts of violence worldwide.
The World Health Organization estimates that almost one in three women—approximately 736 million people—experiences physical or verbal abuse in their lifetime. And the rate of violence against women only intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Violence against girls and women is a heartbreaking reality in many communities,” said Alfred Lokule, spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “All of us should play our part in ensuring their safety.”
What can help you deal with violence?
In Zenobia’s case, she had the support of her spiritual family. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not just call each other brother and sister, they are family. Zenobia knew that she could count on them for emotional, spiritual, and financial support whenever she needed it – Mark 10:30. Most importantly, she was comforted by the knowledge that God did not approve of the violence. She found comfort in scriptures such as 1 Peter 3:7 which assured her that even though her biological father did not protect her, her heavenly father did not approve of her mistreatment and was always by her side to protect and comfort her. -Isaiah 41:10
Jehovah’s Witnesses want to help everyone know how God feels about women’s safety; it matters to Him. We would also want victims and survivors to know that they can find the support they need from the scriptures as we all wait for a time when there will be no more violence. Psalm 72:14.
That is why starting April 19, 2024, an article titled “Women’s Safety—The Bible’s Perspective” will be published on jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The article addresses God’s view of women and what he intends to do regarding the mistreatment of women in the future. You will be happy to learn from the scriptures that God does not support violence or other forms of discrimination against anyone based on their gender.
“God’s word reassures all victims of His support,” said Lokule. “As you read this article, may you find the peace that God provides and the hope of a violence-free future.”
Anyone can access the article Women’s Safety – The Bible’s Perspective” for free on jw.org, which features practical Bible-based content in more than 1,080 languages.