Has a pastor said something inappropriate or touched you inappropriately?
Is this action recent or is it buried memories that are now surfacing with intrusive thoughts, nightmare, sleeplessness, depression, or inability to cope?
Pastors are supposed to be
- Trusted
- Spiritual Leaders
- "Good Shepherds" who guard and protect the flock
Yet some break that trust.
Clergy sexual abuse is not something many people understand, talk about, or acknowledge. It is not something many even think about; until it happens to you or someone you know.
Tamar's Voice offers compassion and understanding to victims who have experienced sexual abuse by a spiritual leader or member of the clergy. We are here to listen and encourage those who have experienced such abuse as they seek healing. We hope this website provides hope.
Jan is not a therapist, however, she is one who has traveled the road ahead of other victim/survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Through Tamar's Voice, she is there to encourage and affirm victims who are perhaps taking their first step to find healing. She encourages victims of clergy sexual abuse to seek professional help. They can find resources in their area by contacting one of these organizations:
AACC American Association of Christian Counselors
AAMFT American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
ACA American Counseling Association
A Direct Word to Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse
Since Tamar's Voice is a safe, anonymous place for you to take first steps toward getting help, we cannot provide crisis intervention for someone who is considered hurting themselves or others. If you are in crisis, please contact local crisis support personnel. If you do not know how to reach someone locally, in the United States there is a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. If all else fails, call 911.
