Healing from clergy sexual abuse is a journey. AEPPP is committed to supporting survivors throughout the healing process. In the aftermath of abuse, there is often confusion, loss of community, faith crisis, family crisis, ecclesiastical and/or legal processes and more. Here’s how AEPPP can help:
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AEPPP staff offers support through decision-making processes regarding ecclesiastical complaints, litigation (we are not attorneys and offer no legal advice) disclosure to family and friends and other issues related to recovery and justice making. AEPPP staff provides advocacy services via telephone and e-mail as well as in person. A sliding scale is used to assure that services are accessible to everyone.
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An important aspect of pastoral care consists of helping survivors to articulate damage to their spirituality and sexuality.
Additional resources are available such as:
an article explaining "Why It's Not An Affair"
information defining Clergy Misconduct
Survivors are also presented with options which will empower them as they proceed with the filing of complaints.
"Is Nothing Sacred" -- a nationally acclaimed retreat for survivors of clergy sexual abuse.
For more information, please contact us.
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Support groups are available for survivors of clergy sexual misconduct (limited to New England) and are scheduled at the request of survivors from a particular area. Groups must be at least 7 and no more than 11 participants. Six sessions ninety minutes each are scheduled every other week. Topics include: Breaking silence, why it’s misconduct, losses to faith and spirituality and more. Costs vary depending on distance and number of participants.
For more information, please contact us.
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AEPPP is proud to be a national provider of the Is Nothing Sacred? Retreat for survivors of clergy sexual abuse. AEPPP is committed to providing one retreat a year somewhere in the United States. More retreats are needed, however, and YOU can schedule a retreat in your area by contacting us. AEPPP staff is available to lead the Is Nothing Sacred? Retreat anywhere in the world.
If you would like to sponsor a retreat, contact us.
For a list of scheduled retreats click here
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Often the most devastating part of clergy sexual abuse is the isolation that comes when the complaint is adjudicated, litigation is over and everything is "done". What remains, of course, is the bulk of the healing work. AEPPP provides pastoral care and support for the long haul of the healing journey. Sessions are schedule by telephone or e-mail and work on a sliding scale to assure that services are accessible to everyone.
For more information, please contact us.
AEPPP staff are not mental health professionals and do not provide counseling, therapy or emergency mental health intervention. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, contact your local mental health center for counseling. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance.