Violence in families
Introduction
Hello everyone, I’m Kiki. Welcome to today’s episode.
On August 22, 2025, a shocking case took place in Mengcun County, Hebei: a 25-year-old woman named Liu was found dead with visible injuries, and traces of blood were discovered in her home.
Her husband, Jin, and her mother-in-law, Zhang, were arrested — Jin for alleged domestic violence leading to death, and Zhang for destroying evidence.
This tragedy reveals not only the seriousness of domestic violence but also the complex social and family issues behind it.
Liu’s relatives had opposed the marriage due to concerns about Jin’s behavior. She had previously sought help for abuse and infidelity but never received real support.
Today, we’ll discuss how women can respond to domestic violence — how to break the silence, seek justice, and find safety.
After the main segment, you’ll hear my interview with Sister Ingrid, as part of our special program.
Everyone is welcome to share thoughts and comments in the discussion section below.
My Summary
In August 2025, a deeply tragic and infuriating event occurred in Hebei Province. A 25-year-old young mother, Liu, was killed by her husband, who had repeatedly abused her. Her mother-in-law not only failed to stop the violence but is also suspected of deleting security footage to hide the truth.
This case makes us reflect on something much deeper.
The Bible tells us that every person is “made in the image of God.” This means every life is precious and worthy of respect and protection.
Any form of violence is an attack against God’s creation.
Liu should have received love and protection from her family — not harm. As bystanders, we might ask ourselves:
If someone had spoken up earlier, could the outcome have been different?
The Bible encourages us to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
So here’s a question for all of us:
If someone around us is being hurt, how can we use our actions to honor the image of God in them and become a voice for justice?
Now let’s hear from Sister Ingrid, who will share her deeper reflections.
Sister Ingrid’s Comment
Yes, we should remember that human beings are created in the image of God.
After Noah left the ark, God gave laws to humanity — including the command that anyone who sheds another person’s blood must answer for it.
But the Bible also gives us a very realistic picture of humanity:
From the beginning, humans fell into sin. Already in the second generation, Cain killed his brother Abel out of envy — even after God warned him, “Sin is crouching at the door, but you must rule over it.”
Throughout history, we see this same pattern of corruption and violence.
Psalm 53:3 says:
“They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.”
Paul writes in Romans 3 that people have turned away from God, their mouths are full of curses, their feet are swift to shed blood, and there is no fear of God before their eyes.
This describes humanity without Jesus.
And Paul also warned Timothy that in the last days, people would become selfish, greedy, arrogant, and unloving — lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
Matthew 24:12 warns:
“Because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.”
This refers especially to love within families.
So, the Bible warns us that in the final days before Jesus returns as King and Judge, family violence and suffering will increase.
Questions and Reflections
1️⃣ If God says every person is valuable and made in His image, how can hitting or hurting someone ever be okay? What does that tell us about Liu’s case?
Hurting another person is never acceptable.
Romans 13:3–4 reminds us that God established judges and courts to punish evil and protect the innocent.
Jesus also said the greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36–39).
Liu sought help, but those around her failed to act — and that failure also bears responsibility.
Sin is not only what we do; it’s also what we fail to do.
As Luke 6:31 says:
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
2️⃣ The Bible says to speak up for people who can’t speak for themselves. What can we or our church actually do to help someone being hurt at home?
Churches should be safe places where victims can find refuge and help.
In some countries, there are shelters for women in danger. Churches can serve a similar role — offering protection, support, and advocacy for those who are suffering.
3️⃣ God values marriage, but does that mean you must stay in a relationship where you’re not safe? What should you do?
God hates divorce because broken families bring pain — but God never intended anyone to stay in danger.
When a man abuses his wife, it’s clear that such a union does not reflect God’s design.
It is better to escape than to endure violence that could lead to death.
(China’s 2016 Anti-Domestic Violence Act also provides legal protection for women seeking safety and divorce.)
4️⃣ God loves justice. In Liu’s case, people who should have helped didn’t. What does “doing the right thing” look like when we see something wrong?
Doing the right thing means acting — not looking away.
If someone is in danger, we can call the police, help the person reach a hospital, or connect them with organizations that can protect them.
Silence helps the abuser, not the victim.
5️⃣ The Bible says to carry each other’s burdens. How can we be better friends and truly help someone being mistreated?
Many victims are too afraid to leave — fearing loneliness, financial hardship, or rejection by family.
True friendship means listening, supporting, and helping them find safe ways to start a new life.
Sometimes, being a real friend means encouraging them to take the first step toward freedom.
6️⃣ Using power to hurt others is wrong. How did Liu’s husband misuse his power, and how can we prevent this?
God gave men strength to protect, not to harm.
In many cultures, women are still treated as possessions — but Jesus radically changed that.
He gave women dignity, respect, and a place among His followers.
We must continue this example: using our power to defend, not dominate.
7️⃣ Forgiveness is important — but does forgiving mean you must let someone keep hurting you? What’s the difference?
Forgiveness doesn’t mean allowing continued abuse.
True repentance includes change.
If someone keeps hurting you, it’s not forgiveness — it’s manipulation.
Safety must come first; forgiveness can come later, once healing begins.
8️⃣ Jesus always helped the wounded. How can our church be a safe place for people like Liu?
Our churches should train members to recognize abuse, offer emotional and spiritual care, and, if possible, provide safe spaces for victims.
A church should be a place of refuge, not fear.
9️⃣ If you see someone being mistreated and do nothing, is that okay? What does the Bible say?
James 4:17 says:
“Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
Looking away from injustice makes us complicit in it.
🔟 God promises a future without tears or pain. How can believing this hope give strength to leave a dangerous situation?
The Bible promises a future where suffering will end — when Jesus returns to reign.
This hope gives strength to endure and to act.
Those who accept Jesus as Savior can face even the darkest times knowing that every tear will be wiped away, and justice will ultimately prevail.
As Isaiah 63:4 says:
“For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption had come.”
🌸 Closing
That’s all for today’s program.
Thank you so much for listening, and may your September 2025 be filled with peace and strength.
See you next time!