Sexual Abuse in the Church: A Resource Guide for Recovery

Sexual abuse has been exposed in recent years as a critical issue in the global Church – in Catholic and Protestant churches alike.

A recent Houston Chronicle investigation revealed hundreds of cases within the Southern Baptist Convention alone. And a CBN News exclusive report examined one church's tragic experience with a pastor who abused countless children for decades before finally being caught.

If you or someone you know has suffered from sexual abuse there are many resources available to help you. 

The National Sexual Assault Hotline receives calls 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE. You can also chat online with a hotline worker.

The hotline cites national statistics from Child Protective Services that show as many as 57,329 children were sexually abused in FY2016. Two-thirds of child abuse victims are between the ages of 12 and 17 and one-third are under 12. Perpetrators are usually a family member or someone known to the child.  

For adult survivors of child sexual abuse, survivor advocate Jimmy Hinton recommends Together We Heal which links survivors of child sexual abuse with partners and volunteer therapists.

For those who've been abused by religious or institutional authorities such as pastors, elders, teachers and coaches the SNAP Network offers a variety of resources.

Survivors of abuse within the church who cannot attend church because of their trauma can find help at PorchSwing Ministries.

Hinton also recommends Flying Free Now which offers help to women who've survived spiritual abuse, often from leaders in the church.

Adults who survived abuse as children on the mission field can network with other survivors in the organization MK Safety Net.

Jimmy and Clara Hinton also provide resources on their personal websites.