Hope and Healing

Resources for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

While MinistrySafe has a focus on preventing abuse, we know that many have already been impacted by the devastation of child sexual abuse. We encourage ALL ministries to care well for abuse survivors, providing hope and healing through supportive resources.

At MinistrySafe, we believe that REPORTING sexual abuse frames the starting point for accountability. To report current or past abuse, search online for state or local law enforcement or reporting agencies, or contact MinistrySafe for assistance in locating the appropriate reporting agencies in your state. REPORTING facilitates ACCOUNTABILITY.

The resources listed below may assist in an abuse survivor’s journey of healing. Though not exhaustive, this list provides a starting point to access helpful resources. Some of the included resources are meant to equip individuals interested in providing ministry for sexual abuse survivors within church or ministry contexts.

Resources

LITERATURE
ONLINE COURSES
  • Boundaries.me by Dr. Henry Cloud – A fee-based program for church and ministry staff to help the local church become a place hurting people run to, not away from.
  • Fearless Series for Men by Dr. James Reeves – A fee-based video series with workbook for small group settings. “The Fearless Series for Men is designed to be a tool for Christian men to get the conversation started about childhood sexual, physical or emotional trauma and how it has affected their lives.” Scroll down to watch a preview of this video series.
  • Fearless Series for Women by Dr. James Reeves – A fee-based video series with workbook for small group settings. “The Fearless Series for Women is designed to be a tool for Christian women to get the conversation started about sexual abuse.” Scroll down to watch a preview of this video series.
  • Healing the Wounded Heart -Online Course by Dr. Dan Allender – A fee-based course for individuals or groups; based upon The Wounded Heart.
WEBSITES
  • Hope for the Heart – A ministry providing information related to a variety of mental health topics from a biblical perspective. Access free downloadable booklets on topics such as Abuse Recovery and Childhood Sexual Abuse.
  • National Children’s Advocacy Center – Provides a variety of information for abuse survivors and families, professionals and law enforcement, including contact information for local Children’s Advocacy Centers.
  • Office for Victims of Crime (Help for Victims) – All states receive government funds to support crime victim assistance and compensation programs; find appropriate contact information for state agencies through this website.
  • RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline – Provides a 24/7 crisis support phone and chat line, with information related to sexual assault and violence.
  • 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Offers a 24/7 suicide and crisis support lifeline by phone or chat.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
  • What is EMDR Therapy? (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – Psychotherapy Treatment designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. This website provides information on this treatment and its impact in treatment for abuse survivors.
  • EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) – Assists in locating a certified EMDR therapist in local areas.
  • Christian Counselor's Network (Focus on the Family) – Helpful in locating Christian-based counselors through the Focus on the Family Network.
  • American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) – Provides assistance in locating Christian counselors or local clinics.

Featured Testimonial

For more than 60 years, Josh McDowell has stood at the forefront of cultural trends and groundbreaking ministry. He shares the essentials of the Christian faith in everyday language, so that people of all ages and stages can know Christ, understand what they believe, why it is true, and how to live, share and defend their faith.

Well-known as an articulate speaker, Josh has spoken to approximately 46 million individuals in 139 countries. He has authored or co-authored 156 books, with copies translated into 128 languages.

Writings include More Than a Carpenter, with over 27 million copies distributed, as well as Evidence That Demands a Verdict, named by World Magazine as one of the twentieth century's top 40 books, and one of the thirteen most influential books on Christian thought within the past 50 years. Evidence That Demands a Verdict won the 2018 Evangelical Christian Publishers Association award in the Bible Reference Book category.

Preview the Fearless Series

The Fearless Series for Men and Fearless Series for Women are video series designed to help Christian men and women begin a conversation about internal wounds stemming from hurtful childhood experiences such as sexual, emotional and physical trauma. After the initial videos and small group discussion, an additional workbook study facilitates the healing process from childhood trauma, allowing participants to move beyond harmful attitudes and actions.

The Fearless Series for Women may be accessed here.

The Fearless Series for Men may be accessed here.

This webpage is designed to provide resources. The content is subject to change and does not constitute legal advice. MinistrySafe is not responsible for and does not necessarily endorse the content on linked websites.