Peer Support | A GRACE Live Conversation
GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment)
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- 59:47
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- Nonprofits & Activism
Elizabeth Sullivan and David Pittman discuss the importance of peer support, the third principle of trauma-informed care.
With at least 20% of a typical church congregation comprised of "trauma survivors," it is important for faith communities to foster peer support groups for those who have experienced abuse/trauma. Wel take time to listen to professionals who have dedicated their lives to providing support for abuse survivors and dive right into the questions of 1) why peer support matters, 2) what can churches do to encourage and foster peer support groups, and 3) what are some blindspots or pitfalls churches need to be aware of when providing peer support in their communities.
With at least 20% of a typical church congregation comprised of "trauma survivors," it is important for faith communities to foster peer support groups for those who have experienced abuse/trauma. Wel take time to listen to professionals who have dedicated their lives to providing support for abuse survivors and dive right into the questions of 1) why peer support matters, 2) what can churches do to encourage and foster peer support groups, and 3) what are some blindspots or pitfalls churches need to be aware of when providing peer support in their communities.
@Decor_Diaries24
I was even denied to have a voice. Every answer from the church was to protect them and further victimize me😢
@Decor_Diaries24
So true! The way the church responded was worse in my case! It added to my already hurting soul! I was left trying to figure things out with no support from that church!
@Decor_Diaries24
So true!! All I asked is if they would consider paying for my counseling and they declined and blamed me for having an affair with the pastor.
@rhodahostetler1596
YES there are churches like that. (I speak as a survivor, not one who defends the indefensible in religion.) But I am curious about Mennonite churches that are survivor-friendly, and child-friendly. I'm from that culture and my view is that certain elements of culture and theology provide major obstacles to genuine support of the weak and broken. The men at the top tend to have each other's backs, and the culture tends towards doing whatever it takes to make it look like they are doing the right thing. When push comes to shove, would they actually report a man they consider to be one of them?? I do know there are a few good leaders among them, but they tend to keep their support of advocates secretive because of the price they pay.
@rhodahostetler1596
at 32:00 on forgiveness--it is the survivor f-bomb. Forgiveness is not a fuzzy feel-good emotion. Forgiveness may or may not contribute to emotional healing--Scripture does not promise that it will. Forgiveness is the absorption of cost, and how cruel of religious participants to look scornfully at someone who has already been robbed, beaten, and left for dead and tell them to absorb even more cost.
@joellen6979
Can you include links to the organizations you represent? The only one I remember is SNAP.