It's a crime, not an affair

Conceptual borders exist in recognizing adult victims of sexual exploitation by clergy. Over 90% of the victims of clergy sexual abuse are adult women yet public attitudes consider this sexual violation a consensual “affair.” Very few states have criminalized sexual contact between clergy and congregant. Thus, most adult victims of clergy sexual abuse have as their only recourse to report the violation to denominational leaders. Victims are re-victimized in this process, with church officials and fellow congregants minimizing this sexual violation and “blaming the victim.” Retaliation against the victim results in ostracization from the very social networks and spiritual resources most needed by the victim during this trauma.

In past decades, a similar situation prevailed for victims of domestic violence: victims were hidden and isolated; societal reaction suggested the victim was to blame; victims internalized these messages. In the intervening years, domestic violence has been widely discussed, resources for survivors put on the front lines, and media campaigns have been launched to inform the public and the victims themselves that these (primarily) women do not deserve what happened to them. Victims of sexual exploitation by clergy need a similar wave of public education and outreach, along with legislative support to criminalize this form of sexual violation.

This session will present data on the prevalence across denominations of clergy sexual exploitation; highlight the contributions which public education and criminal statutes can make to providing legal remedy and community support for these victims; explain why internal denominational disciplinary procedures are insufficient.