Information about survivors and abuse

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Many people make assumptions about the kind of people we are, and the things we feel and think. This section is about dispelling some of the myths, showing what made us who we are, how we deal with it, and what problems we have to overcome to lead a normal life. It also includes things that victims would like those inside and outside the church to be aware of.

Who we are - Common issues, cognitive distortions, feelings, among abuse survivors.

Forgiveness - Why we shouldn't forgive, and why we reject the so-called Biblical injunction to forgive. Plus what we are entitled to expect in an apology, and why churches should be told if their clergy have been abusive.

Protection - The things that we weren't taught, and how not knowing them made it impossible for us to protect ourselves when we were abused.

ARGUMENTS and ASSUMPTIONS Clergy abuse victims get tired of answering the same assumptions over and over. Why didn't we come forward earlier? Are we just out for money? Is it a "modern" problem? These and other questions dealt with here.

Donation - When you put money in the collection at church on Sunday, do you stop and think about where that money's going, what it's being used for, and whether you approve of those uses? Take a look at those questions from a clergy abuse victim's perspective.

Our former Governor-General and his actions. Do you still respect him? Do you think he acted appropriately? Why was it so necessary that he resign? An article that seeks to put the questions in true perspective.

A Royal Commission into clergy sexual abuse - do we need one? is the problem that big? what should the terms of reference be?