A study recent study asked the question, what effect does maternal victimization have on their kids. They chose 419 mothers from two different U.S. geographical locations of high-risk populations.

Their results showed:

Over 50% of the women reported childhood, teen, and or adult physical or sexual abuse

The more abuse a woman experienced the worse her outcomes for depression, other psychological issues, physical problems, and "harsh" parenting practices

Their children had normal physical health, and cognitive development, but they had more outward (i.e. violence, anger) and inward (anxiety, depression) behavior problems compared to children whose mothers were not victimized.

They study cited 50 references that linked previous maternal abuse with adverse physical and mental problems.

Results summarized from Pediatrics April 2001: "Type and Timing of Mother's Victimization: Effects on Mother's and Children."

Over the past 10-20 years, our society has gotten better at identifying and defining victimization, yet the numbers of victims both young and old continue to rise.

Few of us doctors ask women on if they have been victims of physical and sexual abuse. Fewer women volunteer this delicate information, but the effects from abuse continue to rage in a woman's life.

The list of effects is diverse: depression, divorce, suicidal thoughts, homicidal thoughts, anxiety disorders, physical aliments, child abuse, destructive relationships, antisocial behaviors, rage, violence, sexual dysfunction, substance abuse, sleep disorders, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). And this is not an exhaustive list. Symptoms range from severe to mild.

To a victim, this list is not surprising. The effects are first-hand everyday. Supports groups, counseling sessions, "we hate men clubs," medications, and self-help books become survival tools. Unfortunately though, this is all the world offers -- survival.

So, is life all about survival and incessant recovery? Can Jesus Christ do better? The answer is most definitely YES. His answer is wholeness, completeness, joy, peace, trust, and love. Jesus said "the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy: I am come that they (fill in your name) might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly," John 10:10.

Remember what Jesus did while He was on the earth? He healed, and healed, and healed. No matter how long you have been a victim, He can make you whole and victimless as easily as He made the lifelong paraplegic jump for joy.

This means no more flash backs, no more rage, and no more self-destruction. Long-term this means that YOU WILL NOT pass your pain and fears on to your kids. The cycle of pain stops with you.

Ponder Colossians 2:10 this week "and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power."