Please read this thread - it will open your eyes to the horrors so many survivors encounter when they step forward. We MUST learn so that we can do MUCH better.
Everyone wants to be brave.
Very few of us want to feel vulnerable.
There is no courage without uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. Brave is vulnerable.
Embrace the suck.
Abusive faith leaders are often quick to try and change the narrative from one of abuse to something less offensive and more acceptable to the watching public. This is often accomplished by re-defining the abuse with terms such as “mistake”, “misjudgment”, or "inappropriate".
A narrative that attempts to paint a picture of the situation without any regard for truth. A narrative designed to protect reputations and preserve future incomes. A narrative designed to keep the leader in the spotlight and the victim/s out of the way. [2/2]
When the abusive behavior of a faith leader is uncovered, all too often the immediate response is an attempt to spin a new narrative. A false narrative. [1/2]
Sometimes an abuse producing system has to be starved to death by depriving it of money and people. Feeding it will empower it and provide it with more precious lives to consume and destroy.