To Care for Survivors

Regardless if the sexual abuse disclosed is ongoing or happened many years ago, it is crucial to create a safe environment for survivors to heal within the context of the church.

Disclosure is not straightforward and may come in many different forms. Often survivors are only beginning to process what happened to them and
will not use words like “abuse” or “assault.” They may minimize or downplay what happened to them. It is crucial to patiently listen and respond that you believe their story.

Consider the needs and agency of the survivor.

Each survivor has walked through a unique nightmare. Some may need immediate medical or mental health attention. Others may simply
need a listening ear for the time being as they process what has happened to them. Some may need help discerning their legal options for reporting and holding their perpetrator accountable. Others may be children where swift action is required to report the abuse and protect them from a dangerous situation.

Make sure to protect the survivor’s confidentiality.

Protecting the identity and story of the survivor is paramount. A survivor should be consulted about who they want to be told about their abuse. Although it is important to communicate with your congregation when abuse occurs, it is not necessary to identify the survivor or break their trust by divulging their identity.

For more information on how to care well for the abused within your church, click here. 

For information on counseling resources available through Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services Pathways Counseling click here.