Encounters during the Pandemic
Anastasia, One of the Victims of Increased Domestic Violence
“During the COVID pandemic, domestic violence has increased significantly,” reported leaders from MP’s shelter homes in Russia. Each one shared their common experience at our recent video meeting, which we usually have in person at least once a year, but this year it had to be via video conference.
“Due to such great need,
the authorities have allowed
our shelter to accept new residents even during this time.
Women call us in distress
as husbands drink more and more at home,”
said Irina, manager of one of our homes.
Anastasia is a mother of a four-month-old baby girl and is already expecting her second child. Her husband uses drugs and was beating Anastasia all the time. Her numerous reports to the police yielded no response. One of the beatings could have been fatal due to the blows she took to her head. She managed to get to the hospital, covered in bruises. Two weeks later the police brought her to our shelter.
She was greatly concerned for the child who was with the abusive father.
“I have to get my baby out!
But I don’t dare go home!”
We prayed for Anastasia and her daughter and their difficult situation and contacted the authorities. After a few attempts, they arrested the heavily intoxicated man and brought the child to our shelter, to her mother’s huge relief and joy!
Her husband will be prosecuted.
“I am going with my child to my home region in the north and will start a new life,” Anastasia said. “Without you, I would not have survived. Thank you very much!”
Our shelter homes exist to help desperate mothers and children like Anastasia and her baby.
Mothers and children who have suffered from violence receive various help and counseling and hear the gospel in our shelter homes.
You can help by specifying your gift for “shelter homes.”
Thank you!
