Survivor Sanctuary: Recent Episodes
Kelly Downing
More than 20% of churchgoers are survivors of childhood sexual abuse, but sadly, church is the last place that most victims of abuse feel safe to go for help. I'm Kelly Downing, a survivor and advocate who wants to see that change. Survivor Sanctuary is a podcast for survivors of sexual abuse who are navigating the road to healing, and for anyone who wants to be a part of the major heart renovation the church needs so that our faith communities can truly become sanctuaries for survivors. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/survivorsanctuary/support
Just when I think John MacArthur couldn't possibly say anything worse than all the terrible things he's already said, he goes and surprises me. Recently, dear John stated publicly that mental health disorders aren't real, and that children who take medication for them may end up as drug addicts and criminals. On today's episode, we'll talk about why these comments are particularly harmful for survivors of sexual abuse.
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RESOURCES:
John MacArthur Denies Mental Illness
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Ignite Life Center, an Assemblies of God Church in Gainesville, Florida, has been in the news since last summer due to repeated arrests for the sexual abuse of minors. So, how do three predators end up in the same church? We chat about it on today's episode.
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RESURCES:
Three Lawsuits Filed Against Ignite Life Center
More Sexual Abuse Arrests Made at Ignite Life Center
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This story hits close to home, as in, just down the road from where I live. A Southern Baptist pastor in the Keys has been arrested after a 15-year-old girl says he plied her with alcohol and assaulted her on a couch inside the church. Even all the media scrutiny over the SBC's handling of sexual abuse, public outrage, lawsuits and the their focus on "Caring Well" doesn't seem to be deterring their leaders from sex crimes against children.
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A common theme among survivors of clergy sexual abuse is victims feeling a responsibility to protect their abuser from being "found out." On today's episode, we're taking a look at Tammy Woods's open letter to Mike Bickle of IHOPKC, and tackling the question, why do abuse victims so often feel the need to protect the people who abuse them?
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RESOURCES:
Open Letter to Mike Bickle from Alleged Victim Tammy Woods
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The plot has thickened in the IHOP KC / Mike Bickle saga, with two women claiming that Bickle began sexually abusing them when they were only 14 and 15 years old, dating all the way back to the beginning of Bickle's ministry in the 1970s. Are we dealing with a "struggling" sheep, or a wolf who is struggling to keep his sheep's clothing from slipping? We chat about it on today's episode.
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RESOURCES:
Woman Claims Mike Bickle Sexually Abused Her When She Was 14
3rd Woman Says Mike Bickle Sexually Abused Her, Beginning at 15
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Today we're finishing up our chat with Andy Weber and Paige Weber, MA, MO-PLPC, EMDR, former staffers at International House of Prayer, where founder Mike Bickle has been accused by multiple women of grooming and sexual abuse.
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RESOURCES:
The Roys Report Articles on Mike Bickle and IHOPKC
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The allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse by International House of Prayer founder Mike Bickle keep piling up, and on today's episode, we chat with Andy Weber and Paige Weber, MA, MO-PLPC, EMDR, both of whom served on staff at IHOPKC in the past. Paige and Andy give valuable insight into the culture at IHOP that has led to the current situation making headlines.
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RESOURCES:
Articles on IHOP from the Roys Report
Videos from the Advocacy Group
Mirror of Misconduct: How IHOPKC's Crisis Manager Embodied Image he was Hired to Fix
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It may seem like a no-brainer to a person who has never experienced sexual trauma, but whether your experience was actually sexual abuse can be a common question for survivors of sexual abuse. Today on the podcast, we'll define sexual abuse in its many forms, and help you determine the answer for yourself.
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Surprise, surprise, another SBC pastor has been accused of covering up sexual abuse. But there is so much more to this story than the headlines may lead you to believe. You might have seen the recent news that staff members and deacons of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas are alleging that their pastor, Dr. Steven Smith, failed to disclose the sexual abuse of children to the congregation. But that's just the start of this crazy story. This one has some pretty wild twists and turns, including the involvement of none other than Josh Duggar's child porn trial defense attorney. Sometimes I think church sex abuse cover ups can't get any crazier. Spoiler alert: they can.
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RESOURCES:
SBC Megachurch Pastor Claims His Mishandling of Allegations Didn’t Lead to ‘Further Abuse’
Deacon of SBC Megachurch Calls for Pastor’s Resignation Over Mishandled Sex Abuse Reports
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A decade ago, around 1/3 of all child sexual abuse offenses were committed. New statistics, however, show that number has dramatically increased, making children the top perpetrators of child sexual abuse. What gives? We chat about it on today's episode.
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RESOURCES:
Children Now Biggest Perpetrators of Sex Abuse Against Children
Over 90% Of Child Sexual Abuse Imagery is Self-Generated
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A sin is a sin is a sin, right? Or is it? On today's podcast we're discussing the distinction between "sin" and predation, and how sin-leveling contributes to perpetuating sexual abuse in the church.
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On today's episode of the podcast, we finish our chat on the integration of mind, body and soul for sacred wholeness with Joshua Yoder
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Sacred Wholeness on Instagram
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On today's episode of the podcast, we chat with friend of the podcast, pastor, personal trainer and certified nutrition coach Joshua Yoder on the integration of mind, body and soul for sacred wholeness after sexual abuse.
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Sacred Wholeness on Instagram
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From the moment a child is abused, it seems the whole universe conspires to keep them silent. Whether internal or external, the voices that silence us are most often speaking from a place of shame. We'll chat about that shame, and how to recognize it, on today's episode.
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Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis Address Leniency Letters in Danny Masterson Rape Case
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On this episode of the podcast, Survivor Sanctuary goes to the movies! We're discussing some of the controversy surrounding the movie Sound of Freedom, and the lengths some people are going to discredit the film because they don't like Tim Ballard or Jim Caviezel's politics. Hey, if anyone involved in the making of the film (or the rescue of enslaved kids) voted for Donald Trump, it must have no redeeming qualities, right? And if someone on the alt right hates pedophilia, we should downplay its prevalence... right? Lest you think conservatives are off the hook here, we'll also talk about how this film is evoking outrage for oppressed children from a group that largely ignores the sexual abuse rampant in their own churches. Double standards, anyone? Join me as we annoy everyone from the right to the left on this episode of Survivor Sanctuary.
(EDIT: I mention in the podcast that Tim Ballard rescued 200+ kids. That is the number of kids rescued in the specific operation that the movie details. Overall, Tim Ballard's organization is credited with rescuing over 3,000 children from human trafficking. Have a nice day.)
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Sound of Freedom: the QAnon-adjacent thriller seducing America
QAnon Goes to the Movies - Slate Podcast
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Artificial intelligence is pretty incredible, and it's exploding in a big way. But experts are warning that AI could lead to an increase in real-life cases of child sexual abuse. Are AI-generated images of child sex abuse "victimless," or something more sinister? We chat about it on today's episode.
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RESOURCES:
Artificial intelligence could help 'normalize' child sexual abuse ...
AI-generated images of child sexual abuse are on the rise
AI could worsen epidemic of child sexual abuse
Predators Exploit AI Tools to Generate Images of Child Abuse
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Imagine the surprise of survivors everywhere when a pastor who has never had a word to say about sexual abuse in the church suddenly crafts an entire sermon series about the "grooming" of children... Well, don't get excited. These pastors haven't actually decided to begin caring about the endemic issue of sexual abuse in the church; no, they're simply using their platform and a faux concern for children to posture politically. We chat about it on today's episode.
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Sometimes it feels like the bad guys are winning, like there's nothing we can do to stop predators within the church. It's not like child molesters typically commit their crimes in front of multiple witnesses to make it easy on us. But before you give in to discouragement, there are still things that we can do to stop the men and women who wish to harm children. We are not powerless. We discuss on today's episode.
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Without meaning to, Chris Rock has pegged the evangelical church when it comes to sexual abuse. Selective Outrage isn't just his latest stand-up show, it's the actual definition of the church's pearl-clutching over "grooming" by "liberals", and dead crickets when it comes to sexual abuse being perpetrated in the church at an alarming rate by "christians." We chat about it on today's episode.
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You may have seen the recent video of the Dalai Lama's creepy, disturbing behavior with a young boy. We discuss it, and how he took a page directly from my abuser's playbook, in today's episode.
RESOURCES:
Dalai Lama Asks Boy to Suck His Tongue
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After outcry in the media, alleged rapist Braylon Oliver has resigned from his position at Churchome. But is this a victory for survivors? And does it make Churchome safe? Hardly. We discuss on today's episode of Survivor Sanctuary.
RESOURCES:
Become a Patron!
Former Pastor Accused of Rape Resigns
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Yet again, a church is in the news for hiring a credibly accused rapist to its staff. The kicker in this case is that they ran it by the alleged victim-who was adamantly against it-and did it anyway, in a pretty callous/tone deaf/victim-discarding way. We discuss on today's episode.
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SurvivorSanctuary.com
RESOURCES:
Churchome Hires Alleged Rapist Over Victim's Objections
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John MacArthur and Grace Community Church are back in the news for checks notes continuing to turn their backs on victims of abuse. While the Church is busy clutching their pearls over Sam Smith's devil costume at the Grammys, these same Christians are giving a pass to MacArthur, whose absolute refusal to show an ounce of humility makes Sam Smith look like the Pope. We chat about it, and Hohn Cho, the Good Samaritan who stood up for victims at great personal sacrifice, in today's episode.
RESOURCES:
Become a Patron of the Podcast!
Grace Church Rejects Calls to Do Justice for Victims
Former GCC Elder Confronts 'Awful Patterns' of Endangering Abuse Victims
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Radical forgiveness. Radical grace. These buzz phrases get thrown around in Christianity, soaking survivors of sexual abuse in shame and letting predators off the hook. But are they actually scriptural? We discuss on today's episode.
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It's probably happened to all of us: we share openly about the abuse we have experienced, and inevitably, someone's response is "you need to forgive." We unpack this lovely unforgiveness phenomenon in today's episode. Happy New Year!
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On this episode of the podcast, we're chatting with Steve Black of the Ezekiel 33 Project. Steve's daughter was abused by a family member when she was just 6 years old, and the lack of information available for parents going through what his family was going through at the time prompted him to start his own blog. Steve's story is so incredibly valuable to anyone who has experienced navigating sexual abuse within the family, and we're so thankful he has taken the time to join us today!
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We've all been told at one point or another to leave the past in the past. But when it comes to sexual abuse, wading through the past is necessary for healing. On today's podcast, we'll discuss why it's important to carefully examine your past to keep it from growing into something unmanageable. Yes, the past can be uncomfortable or scary, but properly examining it can lead to freedom.
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In celebration of the 100th episode of the podcast, we're excited to announce that Survivor Sanctuary is now on Patreon! You can become a patron of the podcast starting at $5 per month, and have access to exclusive content and rewards. Your support helps us keep shining a light on sexual abuse in the church, and it also unlocks premium content to help you grow as a survivor/advocate/ally. THANK YOU for your support of this podcast for the last 100 Episodes!
RESOURCES:
Survivor Sanctuary Patreon Page
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Did you hear about the woman who helped take down a child molester she met on Tinder? This story is a great reminder that an abuser can be anyone. We chat about it on today's episode of the podcast.
RESOURCES:
Woman Uses Tinder to Catch Child Molester
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Are survivors of sexual abuse "playing the victim" when they speak out about sexual abuse? There are plenty of people who think (and say) so. On this episode of Survivor Sanctuary, we'll talk about what it actually means to "play the victim" are have a "victim mentality," and how that relates to survivors.
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It's cute that the creepy ex youth leader who beat a rap for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor just followed me on Twitter. We chat about it on today's episode.
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We're used to hearing bad advice, platitudes and questionable opinions on surviving sexual abuse from people who have never experienced abuse themselves. But there's a disturbing trend among survivors and advocates who seem to believe that the only way to move on from abuse is to accept responsibility for the abuse you experienced, or accept that it was all a part of God's (or the Universe's) plan to help you grow. On today's episode, we'll chat about these harmful beliefs that are being shared, and remind everyone exactly why abuse happens and who is to blame.
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The Department of Justice is investigating the Southern Baptist Convention for their decades of mishandling sexual abuse allegations. It may be easy to understand why the DOJ is concerned for the welfare of children, but what about the lowest of society's low? In today's episode, we'll chat about why it is that convicts appear to care more about stopping child molesters than our churches do.
RESOURCES:
Article: Prisoner Beats Two Child Molesters to Death
Wife Shoots Husband Who Molested Kids
DOJ Is Investigating the Southern Baptist Convention
TAGS: church sexual abuse, church abuse, Shanteari Weems, James Weems, Jr., pedophiles, child molesters, victims, prison violence
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Is it a trauma response? A mental health disorder? What on earth would cause a mother to stay with and support a man who sexually abuses her kids? It happens more than we care to believe, and on today's episode we try to unpack what's going on when a mom chooses a sexual predator over her kids. ALL the trigger warnings
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Deny. Attack. Reverse Victim and Offender. It's a tactic used by many abusers to shame their victims and make them feel guilt over speaking out. But DARVO is also used to turn others--often entire religious communities--against the victim as well. Have you ever seen a congregation stand and applaud a man who has just confessed to sexual assault? Or witnessed church folks shaming a victim for speaking against a perpetrator? Odds are, it's DARVO at work. Today we'll chat about this favorite tactic of abusers and how to recognize it.
RESOURCES:
What Is DARVO and How is it Used Against Survivors
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With all the high-fives flying and churches celebrating in light of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, survivors of sexual abuse in the church may be left scratching their heads. Forgive us if we find the claims that the church cares deeply for the vulnerable disingenuous, but we've been under the table for decades practically begging for scraps of this supposed care and compassion--and we've been ignored or flat out stomped on. On today's episode of the podcast, we'll talk about pro life virtue signaling, and sit with a simple question: If you can't care for the vulnerable survivors who you see, how can you claim to care for the vulnerable unborn who you can't see?
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Believe survivors. We hear it often, and it's very important advice. But there's one time it's perfectly acceptable NOT to believe survivors... and that's when they tell you the abuse was their fault. On this episode we'll discuss how survivors of childhood sexual abuse often wrongly accept responsibility for part of their abuse because they are too early in their recovery to fully understand what they've experienced. Unfortunately, their belief that they are partly to blame is sometimes used against them later--once they realize the truth of their grooming and abuse.
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Today on the podcast we continue our chat with Justin Woodbury of the blog and book, Sheltered But Not Protected.
RESOURCES:
Sheltered But Not Protected
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Today on the podcast we are chatting with Justin Woodbury of the blog and book, Sheltered But Not Protected. Justin shares his experience of surviving sexual and spiritual abuse in the IFB.
RESOURCES:
Sheltered But Not Protected
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They say your character is who you are when nobody is watching. So why is it that Christians have so much trouble believing that people caught abusing children are depraved, dangerous and better off in prison? If you've been following the Josh Duggar trial, you may have read the letters that Michelle Duggar, Anna Duggar and Josh's pastor sent to the judge to beg for leniency in sentencing. They listened in court as horrifying details of the sex abuse materials Josh was viewing were recounted, yet still plead for a light sentence based on Josh's "godliness" and Christian character. When Christians are shown someone's true character, why do we have so much trouble believing them? We'll talk it out on today's episode.
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It's always easier to find fault with "that church over there," but when it comes to sexual abuse, it's important to understand that it can happen anywhere. On today's episode we'll chat about the recent scandals that have mega churches in the spotlight--and why we can't blame them for the problem of sexual abuse in the church.
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"You think everyone is an abuser." It's a comment I've heard more than once in my work as an advocate, and in everyday life as a survivor of sexual abuse. On today's episode, we chat about the accusation, and discuss the difference between believing everyone is an abuser and believing that an abuser can be anyone.
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Turning Red, Disney World PA greetings, transgender athletes... what are we protesting this week, church? Besides child molesters in our pulpits, because apparently that one is totally OK. On this episode, we'll discuss the church's unscriptural obsession with judging "the world," and the biblical exhortation to judge those inside the church.
Tags:
Bill Bjorkman, Calvary Chapel, sexual abuse, pedophiles, child molesters, church abuse, turning red, Lia Thomas, Disney
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It's always fun when a spiritual leader teaches theology-by-meme on social media. And by fun, I mean obnoxious. There are some quotes and memes floating around on Facebook these days that are aimed at people who apparently don't spend enough time in a church building. And as memes tend to do, they vastly oversimplify what can be a highly complex lived experience for survivors of spiritual, psychological and sexual abuse within the church. On this episode, we'll tackle why a growing number of people no longer feel safe in a church building, and how social media one-liners from "men of God" only serve to further alienate them from the fellowship of believers.
Content Warning:
In this episode, we discuss sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, church abuse, unsafe pastors, unsafe churches, sexual assault, rape, child molestation
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On today's episode, we discuss the former boarding school principal who was sentenced to death in Indonesia this week for his sexual abuse of at least 13 students between the ages of 11 and 14. Is the death penalty appropriate for child predators? And as survivors, how do we navigate the guilt we often feel for "telling on" our abusers, especially if their lives could be on the line?
RESOURCES:
Indonesian Principal Sentenced to Death for Raping 13 Girls
Survivor Sanctuary Website
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On this episode, we chat about the controversy surrounding John MacArthur, and a church culture that insists protecting women and children from abusers is "worldly."
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You may have seen the "inspirational" quote floating around online: Trauma is not your fault, but healing is your responsibility. Well, on today's episode, we'll discuss why admonishments like this are a slap in the face to survivors of sexual abuse.
RESOURCES:
Trauma is Not Your Fault, Period.
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It should be the love and compassion of Christ, a sense of justice and righteousness that compel christian institutions to report, rather than conceal the sexual abuse of minors in their midst. But since that doesn't seem to be working, perhaps the threat of mug shots and orange jumpsuits will do the trick. On this episode we discuss the recent arrests of five administrators at Midland Christian School in Midland, Texas, who allegedly failed to report (and actively worked to conceal) the sexual assault of one of their minor students on school property. We talk about their case, and why it seems personal consequences are much more of a motivating factor than anything else when it comes to christians reporting sexual abuse.
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Doctors, Scientists and researchers have long been exploring the link between obesity and childhood sexual abuse. In fact, sexual abuse is now recognized as being a key factor in obesity. The church, as usual, seems to be lagging behind the research. On this episode of the podcast, Kelly opens up about her experience with sexual abuse, trauma related obesity, and why many Christians' misinterpretation of "gluttony" can re-traumatize and further alienate survivors of sexual abuse.
RESOURCES:
The Second Assault (Why Victims of Sexual Abuse are More Likely to be Obese)
Sexual Abuse and Obesity- What's the Link?
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Why do survivors of sexual abuse seem to struggle with self care? And how has the church contributed to that struggle? We chat about it on today's episode.
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If you followed the Josh Duggar trial, you know that he was recently found guilty on two counts of possessing child pornography. Maybe you also noticed some similarities between how much of the Duggar family and The Church deal with perpetrators in their midst. We chat about it on this episode.
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As promised, in this episode of Survivor Sanctuary we are piggy-backing off of our last episode on vaccine mandates and protecting the bodily autonomy of survivors of sexual abuse. We're chatting with Joshua Yoder, host of the "Unbinding the Bible" podcast, about why sexual abuse is often viewed and cared about through a party lens, especially within the church. When liberals or conservatives, christians or atheists allow a party affiliation to determine whether they are free to care about instances of sexual abuse, survivors are the losers every single time.
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Every once in a while, I need to record an episode that will step on #allthetoes. Typically, I try to stay away from political/partisan topics, but as vaccine mandates begin to go into effect across the nation, survivors of sexual abuse are being affected in a way that often triggers trauma responses. We'll discuss that trauma (not the efficacy of vaccines) on today's episode.
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It seems every other day in South Florida we see a new story of a teacher sexually abusing a student. And in fact, this past week, it was literally every other day, as two female teachers were arrested in Miami-Dade county for predatory sexual relationships with male students. What's even more disturbing than the abuse itself may be the response to it by the general public, a large portion of which seem to feel that male students are "lucky" when their teachers "have sex with" (sexually abuse) them. There is a definite double standard when it comes to females who abuse males, and we're chatting about it on today's episode.
RESOURCES:
31-Year-Old Female Teacher Arrested for Sexually Abusing 14-Year-Old Boy
41-Year-Old Female Teacher Arrested for Sexually Abusing 15-Year-Old Boy
Abused by a Female Teacher, but Treated like the Perpetrator
The Fetishization of Female Teachers
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As we've watched the tragic story of Gabby Petito unfold over the last several weeks, it's been triggering to survivors of all kinds of abuse. For survivors of sexual abuse in the church, specifically, we may not be able to relate completely to Gabby's experience, but there are definitely parallels which bring he story close to home. On this episode of the podcast, we'll talk about those parallels, and what the church can learn from this tragedy.
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On today's episode of Survivor Sanctuary, we chat with Mendy Hood, a survivor of sexual abuse by her youth pastor at age 13. Mendy's fighting spirit is contagious as she shares her story and refuses to hold back in her quest for justice, her calling out of abusers, and her struggles in the aftermath of sexual abuse.
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Maybe you've seen the news that Hillsong founder Brian Houston has been formally charged for allegedly concealing his father's sexual assault of children. He is "devastated" by these charges, but perhaps not as devastated as the children who could have been protected had Brian Houston done the right thing.
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"Speaking out about sexual abuse doesn't ruin the reputation of the church... Sexual Abusers ruin the reputation of the church..."
I'm sure they "meme" well, but when people use this logic to combat those who silence abuse victims, they're only feeding the monster. The impact of sexual abuse is much greater than the tarnishing of a person's or institution's reputation. We chat about it on today's episode.
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We know that many survivors of sexual abuse are judged by Christians for walking out of the church. But what about the survivors who choose to stay? It turns out many of them are also being judged, just by a new set of people--some of their fellow survivors and survivor advocates. On this episode, we'll chat about it, and the importance of allowing survivors a voice when it comes to their own spirituality.
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Of all the places that could offer a second chance to people who sexually abuse children, The Church is arguably one of the most dangerous. This is not solely because abusers are often put back into leadership roles there, or because those in leadership tend to be blindly trusted by congregations; it's not even because there are children present on most church campuses. Rather, the church inadvertently serves as a catalyst to sexual abuse recidivism thanks to a perfect storm of bad theology, lack of legal oversight, mistrust of science and a voracious appetite for redemption stories. We discuss on today's episode of Survivor Sanctuary.
Resources:
Released Sex Offender Charged with Sexual Abuse of Two Boys
Convicted Child Molester Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison
Conversations with a Pedophile by Dr. Amy Zabin
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According to most preachers, Jesus is the example we should all be following. So why do so many of them fail to emulate Christ and his willingness to lay down his life for his sheep? If Jesus willingly gave up his rights as God, humbling himself to the point of a humiliating death on the cross, then why can't a preacher caught sexually abusing someone even humble himself to the point of stepping down from the pulpit? It baffles the mind, and we chat about it on today's episode.
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The title of this episode is pretty self-explanatory. We're chatting about former SBCer Russell Moore and his letters which were leaked this week, revealing things about the SBC Executive Committee that really don't surprise us, but should definitely grieve us. Until those at the top of the SBC are as grieved and angered over sexual abuse as the Lord is, the denomination will not be safe for the vulnerable OR the wounded.
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Sometimes, speaking out about sexual abuse can cost you family relationships. That's often because the perpetrator is a member of the family. But what about family members who resent your voice for other reasons? In this episode, we'll chat about those super fun people who resent our advocacy, and do a quick recap of the "why" behind speaking out about sexual abuse.
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In this episode of the podcast, we're going to finish our conversation about Wolves, and why the Church has so much trouble recognizing them in its midst. To start, it's very difficult to recognize a wolf when you don't even know what a real sheep looks like. Yes, we will know them by their fruit, but we often have a very warped idea of what "good fruit" actually looks like.
Repeat after me: Likability is not a fruit of the spirit. Knowing lots of scripture is not a fruit of the spirit. Being a great speaker is not a fruit of the spirit. People can be "nice" while plotting and carrying out the sexual assault of your children.
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It's there in black and white, and sometimes in red. The warnings about wolves are weaved throughout the tapestry of the New Testament, admonishing us to be on the lookout for the ravenous predators disguised as sheep in our midst. And yet when churches are alerted to predators in their fold, there is an absolute refusal by most to believe that the predator is in fact, a predator. Instead, this man or woman who has been seeking bodies and souls to devour through unfathomable levels of deception and perversion is labeled a "fallen" brother, a "sinner" who is "saved by grace" and who needs to be "restored" to the flock. What kind of shepherd--or sheep, for that matter--restores a WOLF to a flock of lambs? As long as we refuse to believe what Jesus himself told us about wolves in our midst, we will continue to attempt to rehabilitate ravenous predators with our misguided wolf-to-sheep conversion therapy, putting the vulnerable at risk of being devoured. Repeat after me:
Wolves EXIST among us.
A wolf is NOT a fallen sheep.
A wolf is a WOLF.
Wearing a fluffy white disguise doesn't make a wolf a lamb.
A wolf can NEVER be converted to a sheep, just like a sheep can NEVER become a predator.
Sexual. Predators. Are. Wolves.
"They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They delight in deception even as they eat with you in your fellowship meals." (2 Peter 2:13)
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It can often feel to survivors that pastors who truly care about sexual abuse are mere legends. Sure, we've heard they're out there, but has anyone ever actually seen one up close? As it turns out, yes. And while we aren't actually seeing him, in this episode we continue our chat with Bryan Holt, a pastor whose childhood experience with a predator has shaped the way he cares for victims of sexual abuse.
RESOURCES:
Bryan's Church Website
Emmaus Christian Church on Facebook
Support Survivor Sanctuary!
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It can often feel to survivors that pastors who truly care about sexual abuse are mere legends. Sure, we've heard they're out there, but has anyone ever actually seen one up close? As it turns out, yes. And while we aren't actually seeing him, in this episode we're chatting with Bryan Holt, a pastor whose childhood experience with a predator has shaped the way he cares for victims of sexual abuse.
RESOURCES:
Bryan's Church Website
Emmaus Christian Church on Facebook
Support Survivor Sanctuary!
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Evangelical Christianity has its own music, movies, books and catch phrases, so it stands to reason that we need our own therapists as well. Right? Well, maybe not. While Christian movies may only make you cringe and desperately wish you could have the last two hours of your life back, so-called "biblical counseling" can do very real harm to survivors. On this episode we'll chat about nouthetic counseling, what it is and how it can do more damage to sexual abuse survivors than good.
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Survivors of childhood sexual abuse know all too well that churches often miss the mark (by a lot) when it comes to supporting survivors. But what pours salt into their deep wounds is that these same churches often demonize the very people who *can* offer support and healing to survivors. On this episode we'll chat about Christianity's disdain for psychology and the impact it has on survivors of sexual abuse.
RESOURCES:
Support Survivor Sanctuary!
The Great Sex Rescue
Pure
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While experts and offenders debate whether child predators should be rehabilitated or imprisoned, victims of sexual abuse receive an automatic life sentence.
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You're ruining the reputation of the Church. You're hurting the cause of Christ. You're turning people away from Christianity and sending them to hell. If you're a survivor of sexual abuse, you've likely had all of these accusations, and more, launched at you by "Christians" any time you've tried to speak out. So where did the idea that exposing sin causes people to turn from Christ come from? And more importantly, is it true? We tackle that question on today's episode.
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I lost my brother last month, and as a result, my fiercest protector. In his honor, this episode of Survivor Sanctuary is dedicated to "protectors" like him, and their role in helping us heal from sexual abuse.
Support Survivor Sanctuary With a Monthly Gift!
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For many survivors of sexual abuse, finding their voice leads to speaking out and advocating for victims of abuse. But before you dive head-first into the world of advocacy, there are four things Kelly would like you to know. We talk about them on today’s episode.
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Sometimes life throws curveballs that teach unexpected lessons. The last three weeks have been crazy, scary and riddled with anxiety, but the silver lining is a lesson in protecting the vulnerable that is invaluable for parents and churches who want to prevent sexual abuse.
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I read two articles this week about institutions dealing with "offenders" in their midst. One was about a church in Florida that hosts a ministry of love and acceptance to sex offenders. The other was about how an aquarium in Finland is dealing with one of their fishy residents who has a bad habit of eating all his friends. It turns out even people who feed fish for a living are better at protecting the vulnerable than the church (facepalm). We discuss it on today's episode.
Resources:
Church of the Second Chance (Article)
Famous Fish That Ate All His Friends (Article)
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On today's episode, I continue my chat with advocate and predator expert Jimmy Hinton. After turning in his own father for sexually abusing children more than a decade ago, Jimmy has dedicated much of his time to speaking out on behalf of victims and educating churches on how to prevent and respond to sexual abuse within their walls. Jimmy's knowledge of abusers is invaluable, and his heart for victims of abuse is a breath of fresh air. In part two of our discussion, Jimmy tells us how to spot predators in our midst, and the mindset shift that is necessary in our seminaries and churches to weed out abusers.
RESOURCES:
Speaking Out On Sex Abuse Podcast
JimmyHinton.org
Jimmy on Facebook
Jimmy on Twitter
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On today's episode of Survivor Sanctuary, I'm chatting with advocate and predator expert Jimmy Hinton. After turning in his own father for sexually abusing children more than a decade ago, Jimmy has dedicated much of his time to speaking out on behalf of victims and educating churches on how to prevent and respond to sexual abuse within their walls. Jimmy's knowledge of abusers is invaluable, and his heart for victims of abuse is a breath of fresh air. In part one of our discussion, Jimmy shares part of his story, and how he delved into the world of advocacy.
RESOURCES:
Speaking Out On Sex Abuse Podcast
JimmyHinton.org
Jimmy on Facebook
Jimmy on Twitter
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We talk a lot about what churches are doing wrong when it comes to preventing and responding to sexual abuse (and with good reason). But there are actually several ways that you can begin to open your church's eyes about abuse--and begin to help survivors--right now. We talk about how on this episode of Survivor Sanctuary.
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You may have heard it said that the effects of sexual abuse can't be physically seen. We focus a lot, and rightfully so, on the mental, emotional and psychological effects of abuse. But while there are many "unseen" effects of sexual abuse, the trauma actually does leave physical marks in and on our bodies. On today's episode we'll chat about the physical effects of sexual abuse, and how this trauma can wreak havoc physically.
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Whatever you call it--grooming, testing, preparing--the process by which a predator selects and readies his victims for abuse can be just as damaging as the acts of abuse themselves. Today on the podcast we talk about the damage done by grooming, and why it's important to address this as we heal.
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On episode 47 of the podcast, we'll take a look at why it is so difficult for victims of sexual abuse to find healing from their trauma within the church. When a church's theology preaches freedom for the predator while piling heavy burdens on his victims, it is nearly impossible for healing to take place. What will it take for churches to address their misguided teachings about abuse and abusers?
RESOURCES:
Julie Roys Article on Ravi Zacharias (Part 1)
Julie Roys Article on Ravi Zacharias (Part 2)
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Sitting in a church service watching a worship pastor with skinny jeans and perfectly disheveled hair croon the latest Hillsong chorus might seem perfectly peaceful to many churchgoers. To a survivor of abuse, though, it can be a trauma trigger. Now, before you go accusing survivors of being backsliders for struggling to be in church, let’s take a look at trauma triggers, what they are, and why church trauma is very real in the survivor community.
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The SavetheChildren hashtag has become mighty popular on social media over the last few months. Awesome news for abused and trafficked children, right?! Not really, as it turns out. On this episode of Survivor Sanctuary, we're discussing the harm of this seemingly virtuous hashtag, and how you can be sure you're genuinely interested in "Saving the Children" and not actually further exploiting them for your own agenda.
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Today on the podcast we're celebrating Survivor Sanctuary's one year podcastversary (totally a word, right?). We'll take a look back at the past year, and chat about what's in store for season two of the podcast. Grab your party hat and let's celebrate!
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On today's episode of Survivor Sanctuary we're chatting with Dom and Megan Benninger, the founders of BaptistAccountability.org, about their journey into advocacy for the vulnerable in churches. When they learned that a convicted child molester was serving as a pastor in their church and as a leader in the church's affiliated preschool, the Benningers refused to be silenced. At significant personal cost, Megan and Dom have continued to speak out about the injustice of hiding abusers within the walls of the church, rejecting the culture of silence that enables predators.
RESOURCES:
Blog Post: A Sharp Rebuke
ChurchTrauma.Org
BaptistAccountability.org
Baptist Accountability on Facebook
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You've found your voice and reported your abuser. So why is there a niggling feeling in the back of your head that your work isn't done? On episode 42 of the podcast, we'll chat about the instinct to protect that drives many survivors, and why your fight for justice, no matter how fierce, may never feel like "enough."
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Maybe you've thought about it a million times--the exact words you would say to the person who abused you. Maybe you've written them out, word for word, or rehearsed them in front of a mirror. While the opportunity to actually confront your abuser can be an empowering part of the healing process, it can also be new source of trauma, or even just a big fat emotional let-down. On today's episode of the podcast, we talk about the decision to confront our abusers and how to manage our expectations so that the experience is empowering rather than crushing.
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Predators are going to prey; it's what they do. But the truth is that predators need help from an even more dangerous animal in order to successfully produce victims for the long haul. On this episode of Survivor Sanctuary, Kelly talks about enablers: who they are, what they do, and why they can be even more dangerous than abusers themselves.
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Yet another infuriating story in the news this week sparked this episode of Survivor Sanctuary. What is the deal with churches financially supporting credibly accused child molesters who "feel led" to travel to foreign lands and work with children? We are literally using tithes and offerings to fund child molesters and build sexual abuse grooming centers around the world--and we're doing it in the name of missions. God help us.
Resources:
Gregory Dow Story
James Arbaugh Story
Jeriah Mast Story
Report suspected child exploitation by "missionaries" here: https://www.ice.gov/webform/hsi-tip-form
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I don't want to talk about my feelings.
I don't want to think about what happened.
I just want to leave the past in the past.
There are so many reasons we rationalize our choice to bury the trauma of sexual abuse. What is familiar feels safe--even if the familiar sucks. But on today's episode of Survivor Sanctuary, Kelly shares ten reasons it is TOTALLY worth it to dive into the (sometimes difficult) work of healing from sexual abuse.
Resources:
Support Survivor Sanctuary
Join the SS Facebook Group
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Asking for help can be tough no matter what your life experiences. For survivors of sexual abuse, though, there can be a tendency to see "help" as a four-letter word (which, incidentally, it actually is. :). On this episode of Survivor Sanctuary, we're unpacking the root of our distaste for vulnerability, and why we can wrestle so much with a fear of asking for help.
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Why is it that some people seem to be crushed by sexual abuse, and others seem to bounce back resiliently? Why do some survivors struggle in ways that others don't? On this episode of Survivor Sanctuary, we're chatting about the unique ways individuals can experience trauma, and why comparing yourself to other survivors is always a bad idea. Truth is, we don't break--or heal--the same way, and accepting our uniqueness is one of the most helpful things we survivors can do for ourselves.
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Why do so many Christians struggle to understand that the brain is an organ that can malfunction like all the rest of them? When any other organ gives us trouble, we have no problem believing that illness is at play. When it comes to issues involving the brain, however, many Christians are quick to believe (and loudly proclaim) the issue is spiritual. We'd never tell a diabetic that their wacko insulin levels are a sin, so why do we tell people that their out-of-whack brain circuitry is a sin? On this episode of Survivor Sanctuary, we're tackling this very harmful belief that still rears its ugly head in Christianity: that anxiety is always and only an issue of sin. This faulty belief effects the abused disproportionately, since survivors are far more likely to struggle with anxiety. If the church wants to be effective in helping survivors heal from abuse, anxiety needs to be understood for what it actually is.
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Every day, survivors of sexual abuse are faced with realities that can leave them burdened by the weight of abuse. The news is full of stories of abusers evading justice, our facebook feeds are flooded with triggers and ignorant comments, and or own minds and bodies seem to be working against us a lot of the time. With all that is wrong, is there any hope for survivors? I believe there is, and on today's episode of Survivor Sanctuary, I want to share a few of the reasons that I believe we can hope in the aftermath of abuse.
Resources:
Support Survivor Sanctuary
Cedarville University Article
Survivor Sanctuary Facebook Group
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On this episode of Survivor Sanctuary, we are tackling one of the big fat lies sexual abuse tells us: That we need to be crushing the healing game, advocating for other survivors, doing big things to prevent sexual abuse or _______ in order to deserve taking up space on this planet. Join me as we dissect this lie and uncover a truth that's easy to say, but tough to believe-- I. Am. Enough.
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Lies, cover-ups, institutional self protection... it's like deja vu al over again, only this time, it isn's sexual abuse that some churches are mishandling. On today's podcast, I discuss the similarities between how some churches are dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and how they deal with sexual abuse within their walls. Is it faith driving these church leaders, or is fear behind it all?
Links:
Survivor Sanctuary Facebook Group
Article: Choir Practice Spreads Coronavirus
Article: 3 Dozen Infected with Coronavirus After Church Event
Article: Pastor Tells Staff to Keep Coronavirus Quiet
Article: Pastor Charged With Misdemeanor For Holding Services
Article: Megachurch Pastor Charged with Unlawful Assembly
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What's in a name? And more specifically, what's in a name we give ourselves (or earn from others) in the aftermath of trauma? In this episode of Survivor Sanctuary, I share an embarrassing "name" I earned as a child struggling to survive the shame of abuse. A source of embarrassment for the majority of my life, I was able to relearn the definition of my name so that I am now able to wear it as a badge of honor. Reframing our beliefs about ourselves and who we are as survivors isn't easy--but it is possible. So who are you? What do you believe about yourself as a survivor of abuse? Let's find out on today's episode.
Resources:
Survivor Sanctuary Facebook Group
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On this episode of Survivor Sanctuary, I have the privilege of speaking with Sandy Phillips Kirkham, a survivor of clergy sexual abuse who has written a book about her experience. Sandy's story is heartbreaking, yet hopeful, and she now uses her powerful voice to speak out on behalf of the abused.
Sandy's Book: Let Me Prey Upon You
Sandy's Website: sandyphillipskirkham.com
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On today’s episode of Survivor Sanctuary, we finish chatting with our awesome Aussie friend, Erik Pederson. In addition to suffering abuse as a child and young adult, Erik experienced spiritual abuse by leadership of a church, who sickeningly used his past abuse against him in order to drive him away from the congregation. Churches don't like messy, but that's what we all are, and Erik is using his painful experiences as motivation to stand up for the mistreated.
Links from today's Episode:
The Outback Berean (Facebook)
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Erik Pederson is our guest on today’s episode of Survivor Sanctuary, so fasten your seatbelts! Erik is an Awesome Aussie who podcasts Down Under, and speaks out against sexual abuse on the regular. He’s also hands down the most entertaining fella in the Survivor Sanctuary Facebook group! Erik’s life has been riddled throughout by trauma, including the trauma of sexual abuse. He's endured more than a human should ever have to, but he's still standing strong, and we're honored to share his story today on the podcast.
Links from today's Episode:
The Outback Berean (Facebook)
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On today’s episode, we have a very special guest: my cousin, Joshua Yoder! Joshua is a minister with a podcast all about the Bible, and on this episode he helps us unravel the truth behind one of the scriptures that gets blasted at sexual abuse survivors by well-meaning (but clueless) Christians. Does “forgetting those things that are behind” mean we shouldn’t ever think about or face our past? And if it doesn’t, then WHY do survivors hear it all the time?
RESOURCES:
Unbinding the Bible Podcast
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Many of us have been told our whole lives that it is best to leave the past in the past—but what if truly healing from our past requires us to engage it rather than escape it? Today’s episode is for anyone, abuse victim or otherwise, who has experienced wounds in the past that are affecting them in the present. Healing is possible; unfortunately, there are no detours through the pain of the past.
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On today's episode, I have the privilege of sharing the story of one of our Survivor Sanctuary listeners. Rachel began to be sexually abused within the walls of her church as a very vulnerable young woman, and her repeated cries for help fell on deaf, calloused ears. Though she asked for help, Rachel continued to endure abuse at the hands of a monster while the people she disclosed the assault to left her to deal with her abuser alone, adding to her shame and fear rather than intervening. Rachel's story is a reminder that sometimes our deepest wounds are inflicted by those who never physically touch us. And it begs the question, how far should we go to protect the most vulnerable among us?
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You know how people say your college years are the best of your life? Yeah, those people didn't go to college where I did.
A recent podcast featuring Title IX expert Laura Dunn had me all kinds of triggered this past week, and what better place to unpack all that trauma than on today's episode of Survivor Sanctuary?! In this episode I'll share why college was the darkest time of my life, what the onslaught of my anxiety disorder looked like, my experience with being sexually harassed on campus, and the lackluster way Southeastern University (and its students) dealt with sexual misconduct.
Resources:
Julie Roys's Article On Pastor John Ortberg
Jimmy & Clara's Podcast with Laura Dunn
Survivor Sanctuary Facebook Group
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On today’s episode of Survivor Sanctuary, we’re chatting about loss, legacy, and what it takes to be a hero in the life of a survivor of sexual abuse.
Links:
Don Blackwell on Twitter
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When it comes to feelings of guilt, sexual abuse is the gift that keeps on giving. Just when you think you’ve made progress in letting go of the deep rooted self-blame, a fun new guilt emerges. On this episode of Survivor Sanctuary, Kelly chats about Survivor Guilt--a really crummy side effect of disclosing your abuse and outing your abuser. So what exactly is Survivor Guilt? And what in the world can Keanu Reeves do to help us combat it? Find out in today's episode!
Don't forget to join the Survivor Sanctuary Facebook Group!
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On today’s episode we’re chatting with Nicole Saylor, a whistle-blower in the church and an advocate for the sexually abused. Nicole did not experience sexual abuse herself, and she didn’t seek out an opportunity to blow the whistle on abuse. When the time came, though, Nicole rose to the occasion and fought hard in order to protect children from an abusive pastor. We need more Nicoles in the world! Listen to her story, and join the Survivor Sanctuary Facebook Group, of which Nicole is a member, and you can continue the conversation with her there!
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It’s a brand new year, and as the rest of the world resolves to eat more kale and do more crossfit, New Years goals may look a little different for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Today I’m sharing three of my #survivolutions for hope and healing in 2020.
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Holidays can be rough. For survivors of abuse, they can be brutal. In this episode, find out what each survivor can gift themselves this Christmas to get through the holiday in peace.
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I won't sugar coat this: I am a wreck right now. In fact, I'm more of a wreck than I can remember ever being (and there's been plenty of wreckage, I assure you). In my grieving, I am once again facing the number one reason I despise sexual abuse, and the slimy guts of child predators, with all my heart.
This isn't gonna be pretty.
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Over the last several years, 15 states have changed laws to extend the statute of limitations on the filing of sexual abuse lawsuits. Eight of those states have implemented “look-back windows” for survivors who were time-barred by the meager statutes of limitations before the laws changed. How do these new laws, and look-back windows in particular, affect survivors? How do they affect churches? We’ll tackle these questions in today’s episode!
Resources:
Learn more about the states extending the SOL and opening up look-back windows here.
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Isn’t it enough that an abuser has repented? Is it truly necessary to publicly name perpetrators? The answer really depends on who you ask. But if you ask a survivor of sexual abuse, most of us understand the importance of calling out abuse and abusers by name. Find out why survivors are driven by our duty to warn, and why it is so important to name abusers.
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Can we take at face value the word of a person who has sexually abused a child? What if he/she claims to be sorry? What if he/she cries? On this episode of Survivor Sanctuary we'll chat about the Church's True Repentance Lie Detector Test, why it is an epic failure, and better ways to determine the genuineness of repentance.
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On today's episode of Survivor Sanctuary, we'll hear the second half of my interview with survivor and advocate Katie Trout who shares more of her story of experiencing abuse at the hands of a megachurch staff member. Found out how Katie is now advocating on behalf of the abused, and helping change the laws that too many churches hide behind.
Resources:
Katie Trout on Twitter
Survivor Sanctuary Facebook Group
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On today's episode of Survivor Sanctuary, I'm chatting with survivor and advocate Katie Trout who shares her story of experiencing abuse at the hands of a megachurch staff member. When Katie bravely came forward about the abuse, her lifelong home church had an opportunity to love and support her through her recovery as the hands and feet of Jesus. Did they seize that opportunity? Find out in part one of my interview with Katie.
Resources:
Katie Trout on Twitter
Survivor Sanctuary Facebook Group
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What is it about sexual abuse allegations that makes the Church respond so much differently than they do to other crises and tragedies? Matthew 6:24 probably holds the most accurate answer, and in this episode, Kelly unpacks some thoughts regarding the Church's struggle to serve both God and insurance policies.
Episode Resources:
The Courage Conference
Thomas Edward
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On today's podcast I'm sharing a personal experience with a church that dealt publicly with two local crime news stories involving members of their church--one as I was coming into the church, and one when I was walking out. How the church handled the first crime and its victims reflected Jesus to me. It made me want to be a part of a church that would go out of their way to help broken kids, allowing their homes and lives to be disrupted in the name of Christ. How they handled the second made me grieve for its victims, and for church leaders who value reputation and institution over wounded people.
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Episode 10 of the podcast is inspired by a discussion on the Survivor Sanctuary Facebook Group (you should def join)! Why do so many survivors blame themselves for their abuse? And why is it so hard to combat the self-blame that seems determined to hang on? "It was your fault" is one of the biggest lies abuse whispers in our ears regularly, and in this episode Kelly tackles some of her personal whys, plus shares some hope that we can one day have victory over the self blame.
Recommended Reading mentioned in today's episode:
The Body Keeps the Score
The Wounded Heart
Healing the Wounded Heart
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When a person goes through the trauma of sexual abuse, there are negative messages--lies--that can become ingrained in them as a result. One of the universal struggles of sexual abuse survivors is feeling unworthy. Whether we feel unworthy of justice, love, acceptance, healing, healthy relationships or _____, the struggle is definitely real. In this episode, we unpack the heavy baggage of unworthiness, and Kelly shares an exercise that she uses to foster the truth that I. AM. WORTHY.
Join the discussion in our survivor sanctuary facebook group!
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It seems like a no-brainer: men and women who sexually abuse children should never be in church leadership. Yet over and over again we are seeing stories of sexual abusers returning to ministry and receiving the full support of congregations while victims suffer alone. Not only do victims feel alone, they are consistently attacked and accused of being unforgiving, hateful, judgmental, and sowers of discord when they speak out against abusers being ministry leaders. But what is the truth? On today's podcast, I tackle this question, and vent about the really wacko idea many Christians have that the only prerequisite for being in spiritual leadership is a desire to be.
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When a sexual abuse survivor finds their voice and begins to share their story of abuse, what they need more than anything are empathetic listeners and supporters who will handle their story with tenderness and care, recognizing that survivors should always be the gatekeepers of their own stories. Unfortunately, not everyone is an ally, and sometimes survivors' stories can be mishandled or even weaponized against them. In Episode 7, I share my experience with church leaders who badly mishandled the story I had entrusted them with, and re-victimized me in the process.
Also, the Survivor Sanctuary Facebook Group is now LIVE! Request to join today!
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Many survivors of sexual abuse keep their stories hidden away for years. But as they begin to heal and find their voice, each survivor will be faced with a choice: to speak out or not to speak out. There is no right or wrong answer here, but if you're a survivor who finds yourself thinking about speaking out, or if you've just always wondered what motivates survivors to share their stories of abuse, this episode is for you!
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Have you ever found yourself at a loss for words when you’ve been trusted with a story of someone’s deepest hurt? Or worse, have you been tempted to respond by blurting out an inspirational quote you once saw on a Facebook meme, hoping it will cure the problem in one smooth cliché? Confession: I’ve been there. Totally done that. And I not only bought the t-shirt, I tie-dyed and bedazzled the freaking thing. But as I've navigated sharing my own story of abuse with others, I've come to understand why a lot of what we consider "awesome" advice can actually be damaging to survivors. In this episode, I'm sharing six tips for how you can be a total rockstar at supporting survivors of abuse, including a pro tip I learned from none other than King Kong.
Here's a link to Rachael Denhollander's new book, which I'm giving away this week! All you have to do is leave a review of the Survivor Sanctuary podcast on iTunes to enter for a chance to win the book!
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On today's episode, Kelly chats with the awesome (and possibly superhuman) Ashley Easter, an outspoken advocate, writer, speaker, coach and conference creator. Ashley shares her story and how it led her to be an influential advocate for abuse victims within the church. Plus, she shares details about the upcoming Courage Conference, ideas for how the church can better serve survivors, and some tips for healing from abuse.
Resources from this Episode:
ashleyeaster.com
thecourageconference.com
Ashley's Book, The Courage Coach
For Such A Time As This Rally
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They say the first step toward recovery is admitting you have a problem. But what if you're completely clueless that a problem is even there? That was me, years back, the night that a snot-smeared bedspread led me to take the first baby step toward profound healing from childhood sexual abuse. I'm getting down and dirty and vulnerable on today's episode as I share a part of my story that is the opposite of glamorous, but that just might give someone the courage to begin to read the pages of their own.
If you like the podcast, be sure to leave a rating and a review on iTunes! You can also chat with me on Facebook or Twitter. I'd love to hear from you!
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Today I'm joined on the podcast by Kelly Haines, survivor of sexual abuse by her Christian school teacher beginning at age 14. After serving time in prison for his sexual abuse of Kelly, John Longaker now serves as senior pastor of an Independent Baptist Church. Kelly's story is heartbreaking, but hope-filled, and her courage in standing up for the truth is an inspiration.
You can find Kelly on the following platforms:
Dr. Oz Interview
Kelly Haines on Twitter
Kelly Haines on Facebook
Life Hurts, You Are A Fighter (Kelly's Blog)
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It's our inaugural episode! On today's podcast, you'll get to know Kelly and some of her story, and you'll also hear how Oprah and stroke survivors have a lot to teach the church about being safe sanctuaries for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Link to Mary Demuth's New book: wetoo.org
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Survivor Sanctuary is coming SOON! On August 14th, Survivor Sanctuary will officially launch, and you're invited to join host Kelly Downing through navigating the road to healing from sexual abuse, and challenging the church to truly become a safe sanctuary for survivors.
For more details and to contact Kelly, visit www.survivorsanctuary.com
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