Psychological Impacts

Betrayal of Trust By Clergy

Consent to sexual relations is not possible due to the power differential between clergy and congregant

• sexual violation by a therapist, doctor, or clergy member is not about sex; it is an abuse of power, authority, and trust inherent in the relationship

• sexual violation by a member of the clergy can leave a victim without the ability to trust any helping professional

• sexual "grooming" by a trusted clergy member can disarm the victim's usual defenses

• the primarily psychological nature of such assaults confuses the victim's own understanding of whether she "consented" to the sexual relations

• adult victims of clergy sexual exploitation become paralyzed by guilt and self-blame, resulting in self-isolation and loss of social support

• Learn more about psychological impacts of sexual exploitation at advocateweb.org