AKA: Domestic Violence, Abused Women, Sexual Abuse, Child Abuse
It's truly heartbreaking to investigate the pervasive issue of abuse in its various forms, encompassing domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, and other travesties against innocent individuals. These evil acts inflict immeasurable pain and leave lasting scars on victims, shattering not only their physical well-being but also eroding the very fabric of their emotional, psychological and spiritual resilience.
Domestic violence, a dark shadow that looms over many households, is a betrayal of the sanctity of marriage and the home, where trust should prevail. The cycle of power and control can trap victims, making it challenging for them to break free from the clutches of their abusers. Sexual abuse, a violation that extends beyond the physical, assaults the very essence of a person's dignity and self-worth. It is a heinous crime that demands society's collective condemnation and relentless efforts to bring perpetrators to justice. Child abuse, an especially distressing manifestation of cruelty, robs the most vulnerable members of our society—the children—of their innocence and a chance at a normal, healthy childhood. The scars left by such experiences often persist into adulthood, affecting victims long after the abuse has stopped. It's imperative for communities to foster environments where children feel safe, protected, and empowered to speak out against any form of mistreatment.
In the traumatic aftermath, it's not uncommon for abuse victims to grapple with a myriad of complex emotions, including anger towards or feelings of unworthiness in the eyes of God. The profound violation of trust and the suffering endured can lead individuals to question their faith and distance themselves from God. Yet, in the midst of this pain, there exists a source of solace in seeking the intercession of the Saints. The Saints serve as powerful advocates, bridging the gap between the wounded and the divine. Turning to the Saints for intercession is an act of faith that extends beyond personal feelings of anger or unworthiness. It opens a channel for healing, allowing victims to connect with spiritual figures who, through their own trials and tribulations, can offer empathy, understanding, and a pathway towards renewal. In this way, the intercession of the Saints becomes a beacon of hope, guiding survivors on a journey of healing, restoration, and, ultimately, reconciliation with God and their faith.
Who is the Patron Saint of Abuse Victims
Many saints offer solace and support for victims of abuse, but St. Monica is frequently invoked in such circumstances. Other notable saints associated with specific types of abuse include St. Dymphna (Incest), St. Germaine (Child Abuse & Neglect), St. Rita (Domestic Abuse), St. Agnes (Sexual Abuse), St. Maria Goretti (Rape Victims), St. Josephine Bakhita (Human Trafficking), St. Agatha (Rape Victims), St. Mary MacKillop (Sexual Abuse by a Priest), and St. Michael (Protector of those Abused). Together, these saints offer a profound source of comfort and empowerment to those navigating the challenging path from abuse to healing.
St. Monica, who dealt with her own case of alcohol addiction at a young age, found herself in a difficult marriage when she was given to a pagan man named Patricius. Despite enduring his violent temper and unfaithfulness, Monica remained steadfast in her commitment. Her prayers for her husband's conversion persisted throughout their 22-year marriage, and she bore the weight of significant abuse against her. Eventually, her unwavering faith and prayers bore fruit, as Patricius converted to Christianity and was baptized before his passing. St. Monica's dedication to her family and her enduring commitment in the face of adversity make her a source of inspiration for those seeking strength and solace in the midst of abusive relationships.
St. Dymphna and her story, rooted in 7th-century legend, unfolds as the daughter of a grieving Celtic chieftain who, overwhelmed by mental distress after his wife's death, fixated his obsession on Dymphna, his daughter, who bore a striking resemblance to her late mother. In order to escape his incestual sexual advances, she made a harrowing escape accompanied by a priest and two friends, who sought refuge in Belgium, where they became hermits and built an oratory. Despite their efforts to elude her father, he tracked them using coins spent along the way. Refusing to return and give into his demands, Dymphna at the tender age of 15 faced a tragic fate as her father beheaded her, with the priest and friends meeting a similar end.
St. Germaine lived in the village of Pibrac, France where she faced a childhood marked by tragedy and abuse. Married off to Laurent Cousin, her stepmother Hortense subjected her to cruelty due to her physical deformity. Germaine endured hunger, neglect, and even boiling water poured on her legs. Despite the mistreatment, she found solace in her faith, cultivating a deep connection with God through simple prayers and a daily commitment to attending Mass.
Entrusted with tending sheep, Germaine embraced a life of humility and prayer, offering even her meager possessions to those in need. Her extraordinary acts included a miraculous display of flowers in the midst of winter, a sign of forgiveness to her abusive mother. Germaine's simple yet profound holiness became evident to her village, and after her death at the age of 22, her incorruptible body sparked recognition of her sanctity.
Although she lived a hidden life in a small village, Germaine's holiness shone brightly. Miracles attributed to her intercession led to calls for her canonization, making her an unlikely but revered saint in the eyes of the Church. St. Germaine's story reminds us that a life devoted to God and others, regardless of worldly recognition, is a testament to true holiness.
St. Rita of Cascia, originally Margherita Lotti, hailed from a family known for mediating feuds. Despite her early desire to become a nun, she was married off to Paolo Mancini at 12. Paolo proved to be a challenging husband—temperamental, unfaithful, and potentially abusive. Through Rita's holy example, Paolo underwent a transformation, embracing peace. Unfortunately, family feuds persisted, leading to Paolo's death by stabbing.
Left with two sons, Giovanni and Paulo, Rita's efforts to dissuade them from revenge fell on deaf ears. She prayed for their deaths rather than mortal sin, and both sons succumbed to dysentery within a year. After their passing, Rita sought entry into a convent but faced resistance due to her husband's scandalous death. Determined, she enlisted the intercession of her patron saints and, aided by an unexpected ally, the Plague, she succeeded in restoring peace.
Entering the convent at 36, Rita displayed powerful prayer and bore a wound on her forehead, resembling a thorn from Jesus' crown. This partial stigmata remained from age 60 until her death at 76, continuously bleeding. In her final days, Rita's humble request for a rose from her home garden, despite it being January, was miraculously fulfilled. Today, she is often depicted with a rose, and on her feast day, May 22, churches distribute roses to honor her "birthday into heaven." St. Rita's life is a testament to faith, forgiveness, and the miraculous. She is also venerated as the Patron Saint of Lost Causes.
St. Agnes exemplified unwavering faith. Despite the governor's son proposing marriage, she felt a divine calling to a different path. Choosing to dedicate herself to Christ and embracing a vow of virginity, she faced brutal consequences.
Refusing the governor's son led to her being dragged through the streets en route to a brothel where she would most certainly be subjected to sexual abuse. Miraculously, her hair grew to shield her nakedness, and an angel thwarted her tormentors from carrying out their intentions. Although spared the disgrace of the brothel, St. Agnes ultimately faced martyrdom, being beheaded for her steadfast commitment to Christ. Her life stands as a poignant example of complete dedication to faith, choosing suffering and death over a life of comfort and prominence.
St. Maria Goretti, born into poverty in Italy in 1890, faced hardships after her father's death when she was just nine. The family worked in the fields for a Count alongside the Serenelli family, led by Giovanni and his son Alessandro, who unfairly retained most profits. Despite struggles, Maria's kindness shone through, sharing treats and caring for her siblings.
On her frequent trips to the village, Maria visited the shrine of Our Lady of Graces, unable to afford Masses for her father. In June 1902, 20-year-old Alessandro subjected 11-year-old Maria to difficult chores and advances. Despite her resistance, Maria, fearing trouble, kept silent about the abuse.
On July 5, 1902, Alessandro, enraged by Maria's refusal to have sex with him, brutally stabbed her 14 times. Despite surviving for 20 hours after surgery without anesthesia, Maria forgave her attacker, expressing a desire for him to join her in Paradise. Alessandro, initially unrepentant, experienced a transformative vision in prison. Convicted and sentenced to 30 years, he completed his term and sought forgiveness from Maria's mother. Upon release, Alessandro began a new life as a gardener at a Capuchin monastery, embodying the power of forgiveness and redemption.
St. Josephine Bakhita, at age nine, was captured and sold into slavery, enduring five sales in El Obeid and Khartoum. The trauma erased her memory of her original name, and she became known as "Bakhita," meaning "fortunate," by her captors. Despite several attempts to escape, she faced continued hardships.
Her fortunes changed when she accompanied the consul Legnani to Italy, where she found herself in the care of the Michieli family. Subsequently, when the Michielis were called away, Josephine took residence with the Sisters of the Institute of the Catechumens in Venice. Here, she discovered God's love through the kindness of Italian families and embraced the teachings of the Lord. Baptized in 1890 with the name Josephine, she chose to stay with the sisters, contributing to the order's daily operations with her cooking, sewing, and warmth.
Josephine's gentle spirit and inspiring demeanor became a source of encouragement for all who encountered her at the sacristy. Over two decades, she penned her autobiography, published in 1930. After its release, Josephine traveled the world, sharing her story and the hope she found in Christ, leaving an enduring legacy as the Patron Saint of victims of human trafficking.
St. Agatha, born in Sicily in 231, met a tragic end during the Persecution of Decius in 251, orchestrated by the Roman Prefect Quintanus. From a young age, she devoted herself to the Lord, pledging her purity out of love for the Savior. Despite numerous suitors attempting to sway her with their advances, Agatha remained steadfast in her commitment.
Quintanus, driven by desire, sought to force Agatha into compliance. Failing to break her resolve, he used his authority to charge her with the crime of being a Christian. As the judge, he sentenced her to imprisonment in a brothel, attempting to weaken her moral strength through rape and torture, including the severe act of severing her breasts in contempt.
During her imprisonment, Agatha reportedly had a spiritual encounter with St. Peter and an Angel, who miraculously healed her wounds. Undeterred, Quintanus, frustrated by her resilience, ordered Agatha to be roasted alive. Throughout the horrifying ordeal, she displayed incredible fortitude and devotion, earning the admiration of witnesses who praised God for her unwavering faith.
St. Mary MacKillop faced excommunication due to a complex series of events involving allegations of sexual misconduct by a priest, Fr Patrick Keating, within the Order of St Francis. The Sisters of St Joseph, under MacKillop's leadership, reported the accusations to their superior, Fr Julian Tenison Woods, leading to Keating's removal from Australia.
Fr Charles Horan, Keating's superior, harbored resentment against Fr Woods and the Josephite Sisters. In 1871, a letter signed by eleven priests, including Horan, criticized the Sisters, pushing for changes in their Rule of Life. Fr Horan worked alongside Bishop Sheil, convincing him to alter the rule, aiming to disband and destroy the order. MacKillop, away in New South Wales, returned upon hearing of the changes and pleaded with the bishop not to alter their Rule. When she threatened to leave the order if the changes persisted, it was deemed insubordination, leading to her excommunication.
Around fifty Sisters were released from their vows for refusing to accept the changes, leaving many penniless and homeless. Bishop Sheil, realizing the unjust nature of his actions, lifted the excommunication nine days before his death in February 1872. Fr Horan's role in manipulating events against the Josephites led to significant repercussions, underscoring the courage and integrity displayed by St. Mary MacKillop and her sisters during a challenging period in the order's history.
St. Michael is considered one of the principal archangels and a powerful defender against evil forces. The name "Michael" itself means "Who is like God?" and reflects his unwavering loyalty to God.
St. Michael is often depicted as a warrior who leads the heavenly army against the forces of evil. In the Bible, the Book of Revelation describes a cosmic battle in which Michael and his angels defeat the dragon, symbolizing Satan, and cast him out of heaven.
People facing abuse, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, may turn to St. Michael in prayer for strength, courage, and protection. The idea is rooted in the belief that invoking the intercession of St. Michael can provide spiritual assistance and aid in overcoming adversity.
So pray to St. Michael for protection, especially in situations where you are vulnerable to abuse or facing oppressive situations. Find solace in seeking St. Michael's intercession, trusting that his divine assistance can bring comfort and aid in your time of need.
Click here for our list of Patron Saints.
Prayers for Victims of Abuse
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse
God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by the blood of his cross.
Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt
in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer to St. Agatha for Victims of Sexual Assault
O blessed St. Agatha, you witnessed the horror of sexual assault and the humiliation and indignity that occur as a result. I beg of you to pray for (name person) who has suffered so much. You understand all that (name person) has been through and how it is affecting him/her. Plead with the Lord that He bless (name person) with healing in mind, body and heart and that He grace (name person) with the gift of forgiveness so that he/she can find peace and wholeness as you did. Ask the Lord to send angels to minister to (name person) and to guard and protect him/her from any further harm. Thank you, dear Saint, for your understanding, help, prayers and continued intercession for (name person). Amen
Prayer for Victims of Violence
Loving God, you are the author and sustainer of our lives. You know the anguish of the sorrowful, you are attentive to the prayers of the brokenhearted. Hear your people who cry out to you in their need; strengthen their hope in your lasting goodness.
We pray today for those who have died because of violence, of terrorism. Draw them to yourself; let your face shine upon them. May they be greeted with choirs of angels and experience your eternal peace and joy.
Be near to all those who have been touched by violence: those who have been hurt, lost their loved ones or lost their sense of security. Be for them a steady comfort and safe resting place.
Soften the hearts and steady the minds of those who would do violence to others. May hate be replaced with love, violence with peace and darkness with your light. Amen.
Related Patron Saint Jewelry and Rosaries
Buy some beautiful St. Monica, St. Dymphna, St. Germaine, St. Rita of Cascia, St. Agnes, St. Maria Goretti, St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Agatha, St. Mary MacKillop or St. Michael jewelry to keep you or your loved one close to the patron saint of abuse victims and be a symbol of your faith.
