The Apprenticeship Way with Marc Alan Schelske Time to Listen to Survivors of Sexual Trauma (TAW023)
Oct 14, 2019
Mary DeMuth, an author and speaker, shares her powerful story as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and her advocacy for victims. She discusses the church's failures in addressing trauma and emphasizes the importance of truly listening to survivors. The conversation navigates the complexities of sexual trauma within religious settings, highlighting the need for empathy, accountability, and open dialogue. Mary urges communities to confront uncomfortable truths and promotes healing through storytelling, fostering solidarity among survivors.
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Silence on Abuse in Church
- Churches often avoid preaching on sexual abuse and rape narratives in scripture, leaving many survivors feeling isolated.
- Addressing these stories openly is crucial for recognizing and supporting survivors in the congregation.
Protestant Denial of Abuse
- Protestant churches often assume sexual abuse is a Catholic issue and ignore it in their own contexts.
- Sexual abuse in churches is prevalent and sometimes harder to address without formal hierarchies and records.
Church Culture Denies Abuse
- Church culture often promotes a "happy world syndrome" where bad things like abuse are denied or ignored.
- This creates dangerous silence, making survivors feel crazy or alone since their experiences are never discussed.
