Abuse can take several forms: physical, mental, emotional, religious, sexual, verbal and/or spiritual.
Abuse is rampant in our time. Every day there are stories of teachers, priests, and ministers who have abused someone. The Christian home is not even free from abuse. The abuser is often addicted to their behavior, and they find it very difficult to stop without help. Verbal abuse includes withholding, bullying, defaming, defining, trivializing, harassing, interrogating, accusing, blaming, blocking, countering, diverting, lying, berating, taunting, putting down, edifying, discounting, threatening, name-calling, yelling and raging.
Many are the victims of sexual abuse. You may have been sexually abused, or you have a friend or relative who is being abused. Saying or doing nothing will not stop the abuse. The abuser needs help desperately whether they admit it or not.
We strongly suggest you contact the organizations and learn about the resources listed at the end of this page. More information on sexual abuse is also at the end of this page.
It is important for the abused person to seek help to overcome the emotional trauma that abuse causes. Counselors can be an invaluable help.
Many are afraid to see a counselor for fear of being thought of as weak. Finding help is a sign of strength and an express desire to find healing and wholeness. Counselors cannot solve your problems, nor can they give you all the answers. Good counselors are good listeners and help you to find the answers for yourself. Christian counselors help you find additional answers that include God. Many counselors are not Christian and leave out important spiritual discussions that need to take place. We suggest you find a Christian counselor. Your pastor can recommend one. Also see the listings below.
God can and will help you overcome your situation.
Recovery Frequently Asked Questions
More Help and Information on Sexual Abuse
You can find helpful resources here: RecoveryBooks.com
Look under: “Abuse” and “Codependency”
If you are in an emergency situation consider calling a Hotline
To find help and meetings locally:
International Directory of Christian Recovery Ministries, Groups & Organizations
Read everything you can get your hands on regarding
recovery. Use RecoveryBooks.com for added recommendations.
Hope and Help Booklets
Offer HOPE and practical HELP to implement this hope. Hope in the Bible is not wishful thinking. Hope in the Bible is a sure promise of what will be.
Biblical Counseling
Communication and Conflict Resolution
Suffering
The 12 Steps A Spiritual Journey (workbook with guide for leading a group) (Workbook with guide for leading a group)
The Twelve Steps for Christians (accompanies above)
Power to Choose, 12 Steps to Wholeness (excellent workbook)
A Practical Guide to Victory in Christ
Order From:
Overcomers in Christ
P.O. Box 34460
Omaha, NE 68134
ph.402-573-0966
Celebrate Recovery Participant’s Guides Set
Victory Over the Darkness Book and Study Guide
Neil T. Anderson / Harvest House
Bondage Breaker
Neil T. Anderson / Harvest House
Bondage Breaker Study Guide
Neil T. Anderson / Harvest House
A Hunger for Healing Workbook
Then look under “Where to Start” at RecoveryBooks.com
We suggest any Christian who is in recovery or trying to recover from ANYTHING get copies of these Bibles:
Life Recovery Bible
Published by Tyndale House Publishers.This Bible is specially annotated for recovering Christians and is a wonderful source of support and healing.
Serenity: A Companion for Twelve Step Recovery
(New King James Version- New Testament Psalms & Proverbs)
by Dr. Robert Hemfelt and Dr. Richard Fowler
Recovery Devotional Bible
(complete Bible-NIV version)
Includes 365 meditations and extensive notes
Zondorvan Publishers
Sources of Referrals to Christian Counselors and Therapists
These organizations specialize in Abuse Recovery:
-
National Sexual Abuse Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
phone them if you or someone you know is being abused
Christians United Against Sexual Abuse
Oak Brook Christian Center
3100 Midwest Center
Oak Brook, IL 60521
(708) 257-8755
Free to Care Ministries (Sexual Abuse)
P.O. Box 1491
Placentia, CA 92670
(714) 528-5413
Theis Enterprises (Sexual Abuse)
P.O. Box 5093
Woodbridge, IL 60517
(708) 515-0696
Victim to Victor Ministries, Inc.
Post Office Box 82936
Fairbanks, Alaska 99708-2936
907 479-4004
vvm@polarnet.com
Christian agency that provides resources and reconciliation for all types of victims and their families using Biblical principles, ministry, prayer and support. Specialize in trauma and sexual abuse recovery but work with a wide variety of issues providing counseling, support groups, advocacy, and support group leadership training.
Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families
P.O. Box 462
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(414-921-6991)
Adult Children of Sexual Dysfunction
P.O. Box 8084 Lake Street Station
Minneapolis MN 55408
Batterers Anonymous
8485 Tamarind Ave., Suite D
Fontana, CA 92335
(909-355-1100)
CoDA Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc.
P.O. Box 33577,
Phoenix, Arizona 85067-3577
(602) 277 7991
COSA-(Co-Dependants of Sex Addicts)
P.O. Box 14537
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612-537-6904)
Incest Survivors Anonymous
P.O. Box 5613
Long Beach, CA 90805
(310-422-1632)
This is not an endorsement or recommendation of any organization or group. Listings are provided as a courtesy, not as an obligation. It is up to the reader to determine whether these organizations suits his or her purposes, interests and beliefs.
If this information has been helpful to you, please consider making a small donation to Christians in Recovery® so that our ministry may continue to assist others in need.
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