By: Ben McEachen
Sydneysider Jakki Civeriati can look back and clearly see the awful foundation that her life once stood upon.
A foundation she links palpably with a destructive first marriage to an abusive husband.
Jakki realised she grew up in a household that perpetuated cycles of emotional abuse, before entering a marriage that would include domestic violence against her.
Being loved, respected and treated well were relationship bedrocks she had not experienced.
But a “radical” encounter with Jesus helped Jakki to learn more about God’s care and comfort.
This newfound love of God’s love for her became a new foundation for Jakki, and a positive starting point for learning vital tools to help her leave and heal from 26 years of abusive relationships.
Jakki has written Goodbye For Now or Goodbye Forever to share godly wisdom and advice for women in similar situations to what she endured.
She said that carefully responding “with assertiveness, with boundaries, with knowing who we are in Christ… begins to break us free from that cycle of abuse”.
*If this article raises any concerns or issues, please contact Lifeline on 12 11 14 or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
