“Finding Heart, Hope and Soul on the Long Journey Home” was the title of an afternoon workshop on June 19 to help those working in diocesan and parish ministry learn how to minister to those who were abused.
The program was presented by Walter Knake, a clinical psychologist, and Amy Gould, a licensed professional counselor. They shared stories about their personal experiences that help provide them with additional insight about their clients.
Knake and Gould told members of the group that they can make a difference for those who are seeking healing. Attendees were asked to come up with a definition of abuse, which was shared with the group. Their thoughts included dominance and control, exploiting the power differential to the detriment of the weaker party, inability to recognize the inherent dignity of a person, betrayal of trust and authority and manipulation of power over a person.
The group learned there are many types of abuse, including physical, spiritual, emotional, sexual, intellectual, cognitive and verbal.
Factors contributing to abuse include becoming desensitized to violence, a culture of addiction and isolation, lack of conscience, compulsion, denial, secrecy and lack of accountability, having been a victim of abuse and an imbalance of power/authority. Knake said often victims have post-traumatic stress disorder.
“The important thing is to be there for the victim – heart, mind and soul. Listening to them will give them hope that someone cares,” Knake said.
“This is a painful, difficult topic. We must walk with the victims in a caring, loving prayerful, God-centered way,” said Sister Rita Mary Harwood, SND, secretary for parish life and development. “Together we can move forward and be a healing presence. We realize this is just the beginning of the journey,” she added.
At its spring general assembly last week in Baltimore, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved additional measures to address abuse and bishop accountability. Read more HERE.
