Going to church should be a positive experience that enables you to worship the deity of your choice. Most churches are led by pastors or preachers. Because they’re in a position of power, they’re expected to uphold certain values and morals.
Unfortunately, there are some individuals who take advantage of their power. Instead of behaving in an acceptable manner, they sexually abuse the most vulnerable of their followers. For those victims, lifelong impacts can occur.
1: Physical injuries
Some sexual assaults can lead to physical injuries that will impact the person for the remainder of their life. It’s critical to get medical care as soon as possible after the sexual assault so you can begin receiving treatment for it. If you didn’t get that medical care, it may behoove you to discuss the abuse with your doctor so they can determine if there’s anything to address.
2: Need for therapy
Sexual abuse by clergy can cause mental trauma. The exact way this affects you can vary, so it’s a good idea to go through counseling to work through any issues that you may have because of the situation.
3: Mistrust of people in authority
Being abused by someone in authority over you can lead to a global mistrust of others in authority. This can become problematic if it’s not addressed because you may feel unsafe having supervisors at work. In many cases, people who were abused by clergy don’t feel comfortable with organized religions or groups.
Ultimately, anyone who was abused by a member of the clergy, regardless of the denomination, may opt to pursue a legal claim. These cases are often complex, so having someone who can assist you with the process might be beneficial.