Finding it hard to believe

[Jennifer13]

This is very similar to the position I found myself in many years ago. I ran away from home after years of abuse and took myself first to the leaders in my church, who consulted with my father (who was my abuser) and because he denied it, I got the, sorry, you have no witnesses spiel, yadda, yadda. I didn't even hear back from them (not even to ask me if I did have any witnesses!) until a comment I overheard months later made me wonder and I went back and asked them what was happening. They did nothing to help me or my family (including my two sisters at home that I was worried about - I had run away). I had an impeccable background and at the time was a 17 year old and was devestated about the position I was in.

My father was eventually convicted of the abuse through the court system. I had to do something. The scars it left to have those I trusted turn me away are very, very deep.

The sad thing is, they never ever dealt with it, even after his conviction. My father left the church of his own accord. I stopped going along one day, completely disheartened, and I got one person come to see me, once. That's it.

When I did safe ministry training through my current church, which is completely a different church/congregation/religion, we touched on 'spiritual abuse' and I very much believe that's what happened to me. The treatment I received from those in a position of spiritual authority almost took away my faith altogether and it took me many years to reconcile myself with God.

to your friend. It is devestating to go through this.