Discover a wealth of free resources on various topics like Responding Well, Prevention, Spiritual Impact, Known Offenders, and more that are available on GRACE's website.

“To silence the voices of victims and cover up their pain is to dehumanize them and do violence against their souls, often in the name of God”

Expert lawyer Robert Peters has investigated all kinds of cases of abuse in churches. In an interview with ‘Evangelical Focus’, he argues why the “historically passive and superficial approach” in churches must change radically, and offers keys for action.

When people ask, “How did this happen?” they’re often searching for a single point of failure. Was it a destructive leader? A non-existent or weak policy? A failure of bystanders to speak up? The best way to approach answering this question is to think in systems, understanding how a set of parts might work together in an interconnected network.

The Gaslight Religion uses the language, ritual, and authority of faith not to liberate, but to control. It may not have a formal name or structure. Often, it’s a set of unspoken rules and reactions—a climate of confusion cloaked in sanctity.

As Christians reflect on the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby and the findings of the Makin report, GRACE has prepared a statement emphasizing five critical reforms we have long championed—reforms that every denomination, every seminary, every church, and every Christian must embrace. These are not optional steps but essential fruits of a faith rooted in justice and compassion (Matthew 7:16-20).

Experiencing abuse and other trauma in the Church creates a deep wound. Each person determines their best path toward incorporating this trauma into their understanding of themselves, the world around them, God, and how all of these connect. For many, the best path includes the use of a professional licensed mental health therapist.

When there is no justice, how can you care for yourself and for others? For many of the survivors we speak with, when abuse is not responded to well within faith communities there is additional spiritual and relational pain, trauma, and confusion layered upon the trauma from the initial abuse.

While children who are abused are at increased risk of suffering from numerous medical and mental health conditions, we also know from a large and growing body of research that many maltreated children also suffer spiritually.

As the Witness/Victim Support Coordinator at GRACE, I encounter this distressing narrative time and again. Abuse is uncovered, yet church leaders opt for silence, shielding the perpetrator. Far too frequently, victims, survivors, and whistleblowers are unjustly shamed and vilified for bravely speaking out and seeking justice.

The church is called to care for those who have been abused.  While the church has fulfilled that calling with some survivors of abuse, she has also failed countless people and sometimes created more harm. This article provides guidance for becoming a more trauma-informed church.

Blue Sunday is an opportunity during worship to come together in solemn reflection and unified prayer to remember and support survivors of abuse and those who tirelessly advocate for them. We invite churches and ministries worldwide to unite in prayer, lifting up their hopes and desires for healing and justice to God. Together, let us stand in solidarity, a beacon of light amidst the darkness.

This scholarly publication will discuss how trauma informed care provides a framework for the use of child sexual abuse materials during a forensic interview. It further assists forensic interviewers in identifying alternatives to this potentially harmful practice.

As Christians read and discuss the response of the Southern Baptist Convention to the sin of child sexual abuse, GRACE has prepared a statement highlighting five reforms we have long advocated for--reforms that every denomination, every seminary, every church, every Christian should work for. It is by our fruits that we will be known (Matthew 7:16-20).

It can be challenging to know what questions to ask when trying to determine if your church or camp ministry has set up proper safeguards or if there is real accountability for those who violate the safeguarding policy. This resource will equip you with some basic informed questions that will help you discern if the environment you are sending your child or teen into is safe.

Abuse leaves survivors vulnerable to significant health concerns, prompting up to 36% higher lifetime healthcare costs for a person who experienced abuse as a child. Jesus showed throughout His ministry on Earth that He cares for our physical health, and multiple Bible passages urge stewardship of the bodies we have been given. Understanding the physical health impact of abuse equips us to care for our bodies and for the children God has placed in our care.

Harassment should be taken seriously as it “strikes at a person’s dignity and self-esteem precisely because it is sexual,” and may serve as a precursor to more serious violent acts, such as sexual assault, rape, and murder. When sexual harassment is present in church culture, the spiritual impact can be great. Below are some guiding principles that churches and church leaders can implement to help combat a culture of sexual harassment in their environment.

Children are abused at alarming rates. In the United States, roughly 2/3 of children go through at least one “adverse childhood experience.” The heavy physical, emotional, and relational toll of abuse are widely accepted, but the spiritual impact of abuse has often been overlooked. Churches, ministries, and all Christians must better understand and respond to the spiritual impact of child maltreatment.

This interview on Uncertain is about abuse in the church and it features GRACE’s Director of Safeguarding, Mike Sloan. Uncertain is a podcast of TearsofEden.org, founded by Katherine Spearing, which is a community and resource for those in the aftermath of spiritual abuse.