Ephesians 6:12 tells us our real enemies are not people. Does that mean that people never pose a real threat to us? Absolutely not! In fact, for those who find themselves victims of abuse, sometimes removing oneself from the abusive situation is the ONLY right action to take. But from there, once a person is away from danger, there is another enemy we can't escape - the prince of this world, satan our adversary. Yeshua said, "In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33
So, how do we live in that tension? The most effective weapon our real adversary, who is not of human origin, uses is the lies he convinces us are true. It isn't the abuse in my life that truly damaged me but rather the lies I believed as a result of them. Those lies took on a life of their own and influenced many of my bad choices.
So, what is the Good News? Yeshua came to set the captives free! How does He do that daily for me? He teaches me more about His character, through His Word and causes Truth (He is Truth - John 14:6) to rise up within me and He who is Truth sets me free from the cycle and bondage that enslaved me.
So, is it a once and for all event? No, it is by walking with Him in daily relationship and fellowship that He transforms our lives. We are in a process of change that won't be fully realized until we are living in the world to come.
Be encouraged - He who began that good work in you (or for some who have not yet begun that journey with Him) He is faithful to complete it. Philippians 1:6