This week’s episode is one of the most important and tender conversations we’ve ever had on the Finding God Podcast. We’re talking about how to support survivors of child sexual abuse in the church with honesty, compassion, and a trauma‑informed, faith‑centered lens. This episode is for survivors, parents, church leaders, and anyone who wants to help create safer, healthier, more accountable faith communities. We explore the emotional, psychological, and spiritual impact of abuse, how to respond when a child discloses, and what true support looks like in the eyes of God. ✨ Episode Overview In this episode, Keana breaks down: The long‑term effects of child sexual abuseHow abuse in the church creates “double trauma”The A.R.E.S. framework (Adverse Religious Experiences Scale) created by Dr. Laura Anderson and Kyle J. HowardHow ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) impact a child’s health, relationships, and spiritual developmentWhat survivors need most from parents, churches, and communitiesHow to support healing on both a personal and spiritual levelWhat to do when a child discloses abuseHow to make a report and protect the child moving forwardThis episode is gentle, non‑graphic, and deeply validating. 🔁 Recap of Last Week’s Episode Last week, we explored grooming and manipulation tactics in the church — how offenders build trust, break boundaries, and use spiritual authority to gain access to children. This week builds on that foundation by focusing on what happens after the harm and how we can respond with wisdom, accountability, and compassion. 🧠 Understanding the Impact of Abuse in Faith Settings Featuring insights from leading trauma experts: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk — trauma lives in the bodyDr. Judith Herman — recovery requires safety, remembrance, and reconnectionDr. Jennifer Freyd — betrayal trauma theoryDr. Dan Siegel — how trauma affects the developing brainWe discuss how abuse in the church affects a child’s: Emotional healthPhysical healthRelationshipsSense of selfAbility to trust GodAbility to trust spiritual authority 📘 A.R.E.S. — Adverse Religious Experiences Created by Dr. Laura Anderson and Kyle J. Howard, the ARES framework helps identify harmful religious experiences that often compound trauma after abuse. 🌱 Free Resources from the Spiritual Trauma Institute The Spiritual Trauma Institute offers additional free resources for survivors and supporters, including: Articles on spiritual abuseHealing guidesEducational videosCommunity support toolsAccess their free resources here: 👉 Religious Trauma Institute This website offers both paid and free resources. This is a good resource because they offer free resources that would be valuable to survivors of spiritual abuse. 🌱 ACEs & Long‑Term Effects We break down the CDC’s ACEs research and how child sexual abuse impacts: Health Chronic illnessAnxiety, depression, PTSDSleep issuesEmotional dysregulationRelationships TrustAttachmentBoundariesSelf‑worthSpiritual Life Fear of GodConfusion about faithDifficulty engaging in churchFeeling spiritually “broken” 💛 Healing on a Personal & Spiritual Level Keana explores: Personal Healing Trauma‑informed therapyEMDRSomatic healingSafe relationshipsRebuilding self‑trustSpiritual Healing Separating God from harmful peopleReframing damaging teachingsAllowing space for doubtTrauma‑informed pastoral careRebuilding faith slowly and safely 🏡 What Churches & Parents Can Do Churches Mandatory reportingTransparent child safety policiesTrauma‑informed trainingTwo‑adult rulesZero tolerance for secrecyPublic support for survivorsParents Believe your child immediatelyStay calmReassure them it’s not their faultAvoid leading questionsSeek trauma‑informed therapyMaintain routines and safety 📊 Why Believing Children Matters Research shows: Children rarely lie about abuseBeing believed reduces PTSDValidation increases healingSupportive adults are a protective factorBelief is not optional — it is lifesaving. 🚨 What To Do If a Child Discloses Abuse Keana walks through: Immediate Response Stay calmThank themBelieve themAvoid pressing for detailsReporting Contact Child Protective ServicesCall law enforcementUse your state’s child abuse hotlineYou do NOT need proof — only reasonable suspicionAfter the Report Provide emotional supportMaintain routinesSeek trauma‑informed therapyEnsure safety from the offender 💬 Final Encouragement Survivors: what happened to you was not your fault. Parents and leaders: your response can change a child’s life. The church can be a place of safety — but only when we choose truth, accountability, and protection over silence. 📬 Contact Information for Keana W. Mitchell — Finding God Podcast 🌐 Website Emory Rose https://keanawmitchell.com 📘 Facebook Page Finding God https://www.facebook.com/FindingGod 👥 Facebook Group Finding God Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingGod 📸 Instagram Keana W. Mitchell https://www.instagram.com/findinggod2 🎧 Listen to Finding God on RedCircle https://redcircle.com/shows/190efd66-2f1a-4c5f-861e-40ab89d4c41b 📧 Email paperanthementertainment@gmail.com 🎵 Music Feature — Unique-ly Chosen New Music Coming Soon!!! As part of our commitment to creating safer communities, safer churches, and safer spaces for children, I want to personally invite you to attend an upcoming free Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Training. This is the same nationally recognized, evidence‑based training we reference often on the podcast the one designed to help adults prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse in trauma‑informed and legally appropriate ways. If you’ve been listening to the Finding God Podcast for a while, you know how deeply we value emotional safety, spiritual safety, and the protection of vulnerable people. This training is one of the most practical, empowering steps you can take to be part of that mission. Whether you’re a parent, ministry leader, educator, volunteer, or simply someone who wants to be better equipped, this training will give you the tools you need to make a real difference. 📅 Training Date: May 7, 2026 🧠 Training: Darkness to Light — Stewards of Children 🔗 Registration Link: https://d2l.coalitionmanager.org/eventmanager/trainingevent/details/4490 During this training, you’ll learn: • How grooming actually works • How to recognize early warning signs • How to respond if a child discloses abuse • How to create safer environments in churches, homes, and communities • How to take action in ways that protect children and support survivors If you’ve ever wanted to be part of the solution — this is your moment. I would love for you to join us.
