For those who have been abused

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For those who have been abused. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another . . . Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. Romans 12:17-19 NIV

Rape Incest Sexual Abuse Physical Abuse

WORD of

Hope

SM

Grace Kern, National Director

Toll Free: 888-217-8679

or in Illinois (630) 990-0909 WORD OF HOPE is a ministry of Lutherans For Life Healing Hearts, Inc. (An Illinois Not-for-Profit Corporation) www.word-of-hope.org

Many people secretly bear the scars of childhood abuse. They desperately struggle with hidden trauma that interferes with their spiritual growth and relationships with others. Some of the effects resulting from abuse are: * Low self-esteem, guilt, and shame * Chronic illness and pain * Chemical dependency * Sexual problems, such as aversion to sex or compulsive sex * Marital/relationship problems * Depression * Suicidal tendencies * Obsessive/compulsive disorders, like overeating, bulimia, or anorexia * History of exploitive relationships

Whether the abuse is physical, sexual, or emotional, it can cause long-lasting emotional problems. We want to help victims understand some of the effects of their abuse, and see the need to participate in their own recovery. They need to be encouraged to know that many victims have recovered and gone on to live satisfying and successful lives.

Professionals who regularly deal with victims of childhood trauma believe that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced some form of abuse before the age of 18.

Growth and freedom from shame will occur as the victim talks about the experience and the shame they feel.

The recovery from the ravages of abuse is a process; a lifelong struggle to face and deal with emotional and spiritual repercussions.

The first step in the recovery process is for the victim to see the importance of getting support from others: a counselor, pastor, or a support group.

Those who have suffered the trauma of abuse deserve to receive help rather than condemnation. “When someone sexually abuses you, they don’t just invade your body . . . they invade your soul.” The entire person is touched by the trauma: physically, emotionally, intellectually, psychologically, and spiritually. Some common feelings of victims of abuse: 1. Tired—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Tired of trying to please others and God, just tired of living. 2. Always feeling that something is wrong with them or that they are “less than” others, low self-esteem. 3. Guilt, fear, anger, difficulty trusting.

One of the first steps in breaking the silence about the “secrets” surrounding the abuse is to share those secrets. This needs to take place in a safe and caring environment and with those who are trustworthy. This sharing will help the individual to identify shaming messages that they received, perhaps from many sources, in addition to the abuse.

There is a special ministry that can help to overcome the pain. Word of Hope can help!

Myth: The majority of child sexual abuse victims tell someone about the abuse. Fact:

According to a study by Dr. David Finkelhor, close to two-thirds of all child sexual abuse victims may not tell their parents or anyone else because they fear being blamed, punished, or not believed.

To take that first step toward recovery, call Word of Hope to arrange for a confidential referral. Call 888-217-8679.

Word of Hope

SM

Toll Free: 888-217-8679 or if in Illinois call:

(630) 990-0909 www.word-of-hope.org