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The Impact of Priest Sexual Abuse: Female Survivors’ Narratives

Van Wormer, Katherine
June 4, 2015

Source: (2004) Affilia. 19(1): 53-67.

This article explores the effect of priests’ sexual abuse on victimized girls and young women. The data were obtained from in-depth interviews with women who were seeking help years after the violation. The results revealed the following themes: the loss of innocence, a period of self-blame, the loss of religious faith, immense pressure to maintain silence, recognition of the imbalance of power, and healing through outside help. The contribution of the principles of restorative justice to victims’ healing is described. Author’s abstract.

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