If you have survived a traumatic experience, these resources may assist you in the journey of recovery and provide practical tools to care for yourself and your loved ones.
“Life is a journey. We all know that life is a journey, along different roads, different paths, which leave their mark on us. We also know in faith that Jesus seeks us out. He wants to heal our wounds, to soothe our feet that hurt from traveling alone, to wash us clean of the dust from our journey … Jesus comes to meet us so he can restore our dignity as children of God. He wants to help us set out again, to resume our journey, to recover our hope, to restore our faith and trust … to all of us he stretches out a helping hand.” -Pope Francis
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
Not Alone
Anne Richardson is a Christian spiritual director in San Diego who leads Not Alone small groups, a Christ-centered recovery process for women who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual trauma. She also leads workshops and provides spiritual direction to accompany survivors of emotional or sexual trauma.
Children of the Immaculate Heart
Children of the Immaculate Heart (CIH) serves survivors of sex trafficking and opens the door to their restoration in Jesus Christ. CIH offer a housing and rehabilitation program for adult women and their children, as well as a newly licensed short-term residential treatment facility for minors.
“Beyond Trauma: A Catholic Guide for Spiritual First Aid”
This booklet, available as a free download, is intended to help survivors of trauma with practical ways to care for yourself and your loved ones, as well as recovering emotionally and spiritually from the trauma experienced.
Resources for those affected by abuse
Our Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator maintains a list of resources for those affected by abuse, as well as providing assistance to those affected by clergy abuse.
1in6.org
The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives.
“My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints”
This book, by Dawn Eden, shows how the lives of the saints can offer hope and help along the journey of spiritual healing after an experience of childhood sexual abuse.
“Veronica’s Veil: Spiritual Companionship for Survivors of Abuse”
This book, by Rev. Lewis Fiorelli and T. Pitt Green, offers spiritual support to a growing number of adults who wish to integrate their Christian faith into the arduous psychological recovery from child abuse by persons in authority.
“Not Alone: Transforming Trauma and Accompanying Survivors” Part Two of “Not Alone,” by Anne Richardson, is written specifically for priests, pastors, ministry leaders, family and friends who wish to help and accompany trauma survivors on their healing journey, offering insightful and practical tips.
Childhood National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-Child): This is a number that everyone in ministry should memorize. Any person can anonymously report known or suspected child abuse to the hotline and they will contact appropriate local investigative authorities within 24 hours.
National Sexual Violence Resource Center: Provides research and tools to advocates working on the frontlines to end sexual harassment, assault, and abuse.
“Reflections on how the Church can Improve its Pastoral Care to Victims of Sexual Trauma,” from Dawn Eden, author of “My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints.”
sdcatholic.org
