The Spiritual Impact of Child Abuse and Exploitation: What Research Tells Us

Abstract

To assist clergy and other religious leaders working with victims of abuse, this article provides an overview of research on the spiritual development of children and how violence may interrupt or impair spirituality. Faith leaders may mitigate or exacerbate the spiritual impact of abuse by how they respond to challenging issues such as forgiveness. Finding meaning and making sense of victimization is possible through positive religious and spiritual coping mechanisms.