Lesson 26 Teacher Material

Recognizing and Healing from Abuse

Prophets and apostles have warned that “individuals who … abuse spouse or offspring … will one day stand accountable before God” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). This lesson will help students better understand how to recognize and respond to situations of abuse. Students will also discuss the power of Jesus Christ to offer healing to all who have been affected by abuse.

Note: You may have students who have been affected by abuse. Because of the sensitive and challenging nature of abuse, some parts of this lesson may cause emotional reactions from students who are victims of abuse, particularly those who have not spoken up about it. You may want to let students know ahead of time that if any of them do not feel comfortable attending class for this lesson, they can work out another arrangement with you. Consider another meaningful learning experience you can invite them to participate in outside of class.

If it appears that a student might talk to you about personal or family involvement with abuse, you should with sensitivity explain that you are required to report allegations of all types of abuse by calling the Church’s help line or area legal counsel. Be patient, sensitive, reassuring, and understanding as you direct the student to his or her bishop or branch president to discuss the situation. Carefully follow local laws regarding responsibilities and liabilities for reporting abuse.

Suggestions for Teaching

Improving Our Teaching and Learning

Be sensitive to students’ needs and feelings. The way you and your students discuss abuse can either increase pain or provide hope. You may want to discuss with students why it is important to understand and be sensitive to the pain and suffering that victims of abuse experience. As you think about how you will lead this discussion, you may find it helpful to read “How Can I Support Someone Who Has Been Abused?” (abuse.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Those who abuse others will be accountable before God.

Display the following statement from “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”: Individuals who abuse spouse or offspring will one day stand accountable before God (see also Revelation 20:12–13; 2 Nephi 9:15–17).

Give students a few minutes to review sections 1 and 2 of the preparation material, and invite them to share questions or impressions they had as they studied these sections. As needed, you might ask questions such as the following:

• What is abuse? What gospel principles are violated when abuse occurs?

• What cautions and suggestions stood out to you in these sections of the preparation material?

• What thoughts did you have as you reviewed the common signs of abuse?

• How can someone in an abusive situation safely seek help? If you know of an abusive situation, how can you safely report it? (Consider taking time to help students locate resources for reporting abuse. See, for example, “In Crisis? Talk Now” [abuse.ChurchofJesusChrist.org].)

Jesus Christ can heal those who have suffered abuse.

Consider showing the first part of the video “Living with the Pain of Childhood Abuse” (time code 0:00–2:27). Before showing the video, explain that it tells the true story of a survivor of abuse named Erin. Invite students to look for how Erin was affected by the abuse she experienced.

Consider asking the following questions:

• In what ways can healing from abuse come? (If needed, you could review the second statement by Elder Richard G. Scott in section 3 of the preparation material.)

• What would you share with a friend, like Erin, who is struggling from the effects of abuse? What are some things that make it difficult to heal from abuse?

Read together Isaiah 61:1–3, and identify truths that could be meaningful to a victim of abuse (see also 2 Nephi 2:1–2). Among other truths, students may identify a truth similar to the following: Jesus Christ has the power to heal the brokenhearted and comfort all who mourn.

• What have you done to invite comfort, help, and healing from the Savior, in any circumstance?

• How has the Savior replaced hopelessness or despair with beauty in your life?

If you showed the first part of the video “Living with the Pain of Childhood Abuse” earlier, show the remainder of it now (time code 2:27–4:50). Ask the class to listen for how the Savior helped Erin.

• What can help us be patient and faithful throughout the time it may take to heal?

Give students a few minutes to consider how the teachings in this lesson might affect their life currently. Encourage them to record any impressions they may have received.

To conclude the lesson, invite students to share what they have learned about the Savior’s role in helping all who have been affected by abuse. You might show the video “The Prince of Peace” (2:32), which is referenced in section 3 of the preparation material.

For Next Time

Invite students to think of ways they have seen Satan and others working to destroy the family. Encourage students, as they study the preparation material for the next lesson, to watch for the results of disintegrating families in society and to ponder what they can do to defend the Lord’s teachings on the family.