It is not uncommon for victims of sexual abuse to repress the trauma. Often, those victims are overwhelmed by a sense of shame, guilt, and embarrassment and find it is easier to tamp down those feelings and try and move forward before they can fully recover. Unfortunately, this can sometimes cause ongoing problems for the victim and their relationships at home and work. This trauma is especially traumatic when a clergy member causes the sexual abuse.
There is no one more deserving of trust than a member of the clergy, and when that trust is betrayed through a violent act of sexual abuse, it can be devastating. The first thing a victim of this type of abuse has to recognize is that it was a violent act. The law defines sexual abuse as any physical contact that is not consensual. Those acts might have been carried out by some twisted version of caring, but they are still considered violent and criminal.
Here are some steps on how to recover from sexual abuse caused by a clergy member.
Report the Incident
One of the first steps on the road to recovery from sexual abuse caused by a clergy member might also be the hardest. That is to report the incident. For this type of abuse, the victim will have two viable paths for reporting. The first is to talk to an experienced Philadelphia clergy abuse lawyer. The attorneys working at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan have years of experience handling these traumatic cases. Understanding all the legal ramifications of this type of crime is essential. Our staff handles these cases with the utmost care, support, and confidentiality.
We can also help victims prepare to file an official report with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Once that report is filed, an investigation will be opened, requiring an initial deposition from the victim. The results of that investigation will be a factor in any future criminal or civil complaint. Every victim of sexual abuse is entitled to justice and recovery.
As the investigation gets underway, victims of sexual abuse can turn their attention to the recovery process. Let’s look at some other ways these individuals can begin to heal:
Acknowledge the Feelings
All the thoughts that are associated with an incident of sexual abuse by a clergy member are legitimate. A victim will feel everything from rage to grief to shame. They might also begin to question what role they played in letting the abuse happen. Acknowledging those feelings is how they get processed.
One of the most effective ways for that acknowledgment is through therapy. A resource like the Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence can help match victims with therapists who specialize in these types of abuse cases.
There are various approaches to therapy that can help the victim develop coping mechanisms to help them not feel so isolated and vulnerable.
Consider a Support Group
Sharing what happened is an important part of the healing process, but victims of sexual abuse often feel like their friends and family won’t understand or know how to cope. A support group can provide a safe space where victims can share their stories and find the right amount of compassion to heal.
Challenge Feeling Helpless
The trauma of sexual abuse can leave the victim feeling helpless. One way for them to get their power back is to reach out to others in need. Giving blood, volunteering at a food bank, or donating to a favorite charity is a way of reconnecting and feeling empowered.
Stay Connected
It is very common for someone to feel isolated following an incident of sexual abuse. That is why it is important to stay connected. This is the time to continue participating in social activities and reach out to friends. These don’t have to be occasions where there is a need to share what happened but instead to feel connected.
Practice Self-Care
It is also essential for SA victims to dedicate time to self-care. That can look different for people. For some, it can mean walking in the woods. For others, it is a relaxing bath or listening to music. There are also meditation and yoga practices that can help invigorate the mind, body, and spirit.
As the healing process plays out, the attorneys at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan will continue to inform you about the results of any investigation and discuss the paths to seeking a remedy.