Commissioner Lyn is a Salvation Army officer (minister) from the United Kingdom. She currently serves at International Headquarters in London, England, and holds responsibilities that oversee Salvation Army ministry to women and girls across Europe.

In the UK, 1 in 4 women will be subjected to domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime. It is happening in homes, on the streets, and in our churches. Does this surprise you?

I was recently speaking with a fellow Salvation Army officer (minister) who is a beautiful woman of God. Having experienced domestic abuse before becoming an officer, she now shares her experiences in ministry and, in one service she led, five people sought her out for private conversation, relating personally to what they had heard.

She shared one encounter with a woman who came to see her. From a church-going family, this woman had suffered domestic abuse over a prolonged period. Depressed, she tried to take her own life and, after discharge from hospital, her family rejected her. Alone, vulnerable, traumatised, this woman desperately needed support, for someone to simply care for and walk alongside her. My friend willingly offered that support and care.

Sometime later, knowing she would be absent for a while, the officer shared verses from Psalm 91 to offer words reassurance and value for the woman to cling to: ‘Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust … He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.’

Initially, the woman’s response was less than enthusiastic. It did not reflect the truth of her experience and reality of her life, but she was encouraged to read, believe and trust those promises for the days ahead. Amazingly, their time apart witnessed a wonderful change. The Salvation Army officer returned to discover a new woman. A woman at peace who recognised her value and worth as a precious child of God. With God’s help and the support of that officer, that woman’s life has now moved on to a beautiful new chapter, working as a support worker for others experiencing domestic abuse.

The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory is taking positive steps to stand up and to speak up on an issue often hidden firmly behind closed doors: violence against women and girls. By partnering with UK-based charity Restored, they are equipping and training congregations to become Beacon Churches, safe places for women and girls who have suffered violence.