Clergy Members as Responders to Victims of Sexual Abuse and Assault

Clergy members are frequently cited as a potential source of community support to victims of sexual abuse or assault, as well as one likely avenue for disclosure. However, research and curricula on the topic are poorly developed, and studies show that victims' interactions with clergy are often negative. In the current study, a series of focus groups were conducted with clergy members of several denominations as part of a multi-faceted effort to improve the community response to victims in one state. Participating clergy reported inadequate education, support, and connections to community resources to respond adequately to the needs of sexual assault victims. The discussion presents recommendations for training and community policy, many voiced by participating clergy members themselves. (C) 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.