If you have been the victim of clergy abuse, it can be difficult to figure out where to go from here. The good news is that there are resources available for you. In this post, we will cover some dos and don’ts of how to handle clergy abuse as a victim and what steps you should consider taking next.
Do not ignore your situation.
If you have been the victim of clergy abuse, it is important not to ignore your feelings. You might feel guilty and ashamed that you have been hurt by someone who was supposed to be helping or guiding you. You may also worry that if people find out what happened, they will think less of you and blame you for what has happened.
Do not try to deal with this on your own. The person who abused you violated an essential trust and betrayed his or her job as an ordained minister by abusing their power over another person in such a way. It is natural for clergy abuse victims to feel confused about what happened, but remember: It was not your fault.
Seek medical attention.
You may need to receive a physical exam and a mental health evaluation. You should also seek treatment for any injuries you have sustained, any infections that may have occurred due to your sexual abuse, and/or any STDs you may have contracted. In addition, it is important that you get tested for other health problems in case the abuse has affected your general well-being or physical health.
Document everything.
Keep a journal, write down what happened in as much detail as possible and keep copies of any emails or texts you receive. If the clergy member has given you gifts, keep those as well. Also, take photos of any injuries sustained during the abuse, including photos of bruises and other marks on your body.
Initiate therapy with a professional who specializes in trauma therapy.
If you have been the victim of clergy abuse, it is important to seek out therapy with a professional who specializes in trauma therapy. Therapy can help you process what happened and understand how it has impacted your life. It can help you feel less alone, which will be comforting and empowering. In addition to helping with emotional healing, therapy may also help you file a claim against the perpetrator or his or her employer (such as a church).
Consult an attorney who has experience representing victims of clergy abuse.
If you have been the victim of clergy abuse, it is important to consult with an attorney specializing in these types of cases. A well-trained and experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights as a victim and provide you with sound advice on how to proceed. The laws surrounding clergy abuse vary widely by state and county, so it’s important that the lawyer you choose has experience with cases similar to yours in your area.
Victims should also seek clergy sexual abuse lawyers who specialize in representation against religious institutions (e.g., churches), especially if they suffered abuse at their hands. These firms can often offer assistance beyond legal representation because they may have built relationships with other survivors and organizations dedicated to supporting them during this difficult time. This assistance could come in the form of emotional support or financial aid for therapy sessions, or medical bills associated with injuries sustained during the assault(s).
Remember that you were not to blame for the abuse you experienced.
You are not at fault for being abused. It is important to remember that the abuser is 100% responsible for their actions and could have chosen an alternate path. You did nothing wrong and were not responsible for what happened to you as a child or teen.
Conclusion
If your clergy member has abused you, we want to ensure you know it’s not your fault. No one can blame you for the actions of another person. It is important for survivors of clergy sexual abuse to seek help from a professional specializing in this type of trauma so they can begin their healing process.
