The Three Stages of Healing: From Victim to Victor
Healing from the deep wounds of sexual abuse is a journey that traverses three critical stages. The Victim Stage is characterized by confusion, fear, and shame, as victims grapple with the lies imposed upon them and the misplaced burden of blame. Moving from Victim to Survivor marks a crucial transition where individuals aim to reclaim their lives, hold jobs, build stable relationships, and find their identity beyond the trauma. The final stage, the Victor Stage, represents empowerment and victory, although not all survivors reach this point. Through divine intervention, support from the faith community, and indicators of hope, survivors can experience healing and restoration, replacing the pain with newfound hope and purpose.
Trauma Informed Care Within Churches
What does trauma informed care look like for clergy abuse survivors?