Our nation was horrified when an Australian woman, Hannah Clarke, and her three children were incinerated in their car in a murder-suicide by her estranged husband, Rowan Baxter, on 19 February 2020. The murders created an outpouring of grief and highlighted the prevalence of domestic violence in our society.
The crime sparked a national debate on what to do about the increasing incidence of domestic violence across our nation. Is there a solution? Is there anything we can do? Well, today we are going to meet a relationship specialist on this subject.
Keala Thompson is an international speaker on relationships, love and marriage.
What advice would you give to someone in an abusive relationship?
Well Gary, I believe that if we can empower those who have been abused then we have a better chance of tackling the issue of domestic violence. If you are questioning whether you are in an abusive relationship or not then this should be helpful.
If your partner or spouse is manipulating or controlling or you are living in fear, then this is a red flag that you are in an abusive relationship. Do you feel manipulated? Do you feel controlled? Are you fearful that if you don’t do what they want you to do that they will get upset at you?
The first step in breaking free from the control of others is to realize that you are being controlled. Realization is half the battle. The second step is to understand and experience what true love looks like. Experiencing a true love that doesn’t use fear and control but rather love and free-will will set you free.
