Domestic violence and child abuse are epidemics in today’s society. Secular agencies assist victims with the physical, legal, and emotional needs they have regarding their abuse. There needs to be a greater emphasis, however, on materials that address the spiritual concerns of abuse victims because this aspect is a vital component in the healing process for victims who are people of faith.
In order to make a difference with the issue of abuse, society’s mindset about victims and perpetrators must change. We need to stop blaming victims and start holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The workshops and seminars offered are to help raise awareness and education about the spiritual aspects of healing from a Christian perspective so that every individual can begin to help victims and perpetrators spiritually on their journey towards recovery. Our religious institutions need to become safe havens for people to step forward, reveal their pain about abuse, and be referred to the appropriate secular and counseling organizations to receive help, but to also be there throughout the process to assist with their spiritual concerns.
Diane Stelling is available to present programs to a wide variety of adult groups. She addresses clergy, counselors, nurses, teachers, universities, and congregational groups regarding the spiritual concerns of abuse victims, drawing upon personal experiences recounted in her book, Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother: Understanding the Spiritual Needs of Abuse Victims. As an adult survivor of childhood physical/verbal abuse and adult sexual abuse, Diane struggled with her faith, Christianity, and the Bible for many years. She can tailor her presentations to fit into time periods ranging from one hour up to six hours.
Participants in the workshops will:
- Learn the mindset of a victim of long term abuse and recognize the importance of spiritual concerns for victims of faith
- Understand victims' confusion regarding the nature of sin, forgiveness as it relates to abuse, and the need for caregivers to focus on the innocence of the victim
- Learn to express appropriate responses to help victims who are struggling with spiritual questions and learn Biblical equipping using specific Scripture passages and stories
- Be better able to determine the extent of their role and the role of their church in assisting with victims’ concerns
- Learn how to create a healing environment in the church