Societal Myths
Harm Victims and Their Families
- societal myths like "she asked for it" reduce the ability of those close to the victim to validate the trauma of the sexual violation she has endured
- societal myths like "it's an affair" cause marital discord if the woman is married; many marriages end in divorce as a result of sexual violation by clergy
- societal need to find a scapegoat for the loss of a beloved pastor can cause congregations to re-victimize victims, their spouses, children, and even suspected "whistleblowers"
- societal myths lead to retaliation against victims employed in church-related organizations or schools and can result in the loss of employment
- societal myths and reactions isolate the victim from her family, congregation, and community