Faculty Publications

The Impact Of Priest Sexual Abuse: Female Survivors' Narratives

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Priest abuse, Restorative justice, Sanctuary molestation, Sexual abuse, Spirituality

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Affilia - Journal of Women and Social Work

Volume

19

Issue

1

First Page

53

Last Page

67

Abstract

This article explores the effect of priests' sexual abuse on victimized girls and young women. The data were obtained from in-depth interviews with women who were seeking help years after the violation. The results revealed the following themes: the loss of innocence, a period of self-blame, the loss of religious faith, immense pressure to maintain silence, recognition of the imbalance of power, and healing through outside help. The contribution of the principles of restorative justice to victims' healing is described.

Department

Department of Special Education

Original Publication Date

3-1-2004

DOI of published version

10.1177/0886109903260667

Link to Full Text

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