I was in a relationship with a guy who is not a follower of Christ. I ended that relationship three years ago. However, he has threatened to destroy me, harming me and my family. He controls me and calls me. He says he will finish me off. I’m afraid of him and I can’t find a way for him to leave me alone. I feel terrified because he has multiple personalities. I need help.
Dear Friend,
We are so sorry to hear about what you are going through! We can certainly understand why you are terrified. We urge you to take immediate action.
Since you were formerly in a relationship with the man, your case can be considered domestic abuse. In the past, the authorities tolerated a certain amount of abuse in relationships such as yours. But most countries are now treating this issue much more seriously. Many of them have passed new laws and are enforcing them as the result of international pressure coming from global treaties and human rights organizations.
Thankfully, every country that has Spanish as its official language has adopted a kind of legal restraining order that would make this man guilty of a crime if he continues to contact you. While we understand that there can be corruption within the legal system of some countries, causing you to mistrust those authorities, we recommend that you research the procedure in your country for filing this order. It could be at the police station or with the family commissioner or judge. You do not need an attorney and there is almost never a fee. In some countries there are social workers who are available to help you and guide you in the next steps to protect yourself.
Of course, legal paperwork may not stop this man from threatening you. But if he does continue what he has been doing, he will be violating the order and he can be charged with a crime when you report it.
Do not, however, tell the man that you are going to report him; just do it! Don’t threaten him with it ahead of time, because that would most likely escalate his mental state. You need to have the legal paperwork all in order before he knows anything about it. Then, when he escalates, you will be ready to report him right away. So do not hesitate to start the legal process!
Our Heavenly Father cares about you and about what is happening to you. Ask Him to give you divine wisdom that will help you avoid the man and his attempts to contact you. When you feel afraid, remember that fear is actually an emotion that God has given us so that we can know when to protect ourselves.
King David, who wrote most of the Psalms in the Bible, was afraid when he was being hunted by the Philistines, so he prayed: “Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack…. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”(1)
Take action today!
Linda
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1 Ps 56:1,3