“[S]ometimes my relationship with the Church feels like a strained marriage… I absolutely do not want a divorce; I want healing in the most precious relationship I…… Read more “Survivor Story: Emily Ransom”
Category: Survivor Story Q&A
Survivor Story: Valentino “Val” Borrelli
“My wish is to help the laity understand that abuse victims are not some delicate flowers that can’t handle life because of the abuse. We are valuable…… Read more “Survivor Story: Valentino “Val” Borrelli”
Survivor Story: Jennifer LaVoy
“If my story helps just one person realize the danger of clericalism and abuse of power, it’s worth it to me.” Jennifer LaVoy, 44, is a stay-at-home…… Read more “Survivor Story: Jennifer LaVoy”
Survivor Story: Mike Hoffman
“To be able to share my story, which I kept secret for over 30 years, and still feel safe and loved was such a profound experience.” Mike…… Read more “Survivor Story: Mike Hoffman”
Survivor Story: Esther Harber
“That profound understanding that I am not alone takes a great deal of the shame away. ” Esther Harber, 39, is a devoted Catholic, mother, and wife,…… Read more “Survivor Story: Esther Harber”
Survivor Story: Zac Zepeda
“Years of therapy and support groups have shown me that to heal I must talk about the abuse.” Zac Zepeda, age 74, is a cradle Catholic who…… Read more “Survivor Story: Zac Zepeda”
Survivor Story: Deborah Rodriguez
“The greatest challenge I have had to endure as a survivor is shame. Because others forced me to keep silent about the abuse, I thought I was…… Read more “Survivor Story: Deborah Rodriguez”
Survivor Story: Carol Longsdorf
“One of the most helpful things is working with a trauma therapist who has helped me understand why childhood trauma is so very difficult to uncover.” A…… Read more “Survivor Story: Carol Longsdorf”
Survivor Story: Bill Kessenich
“Pope Francis says that the Church needs to be a ‘field hospital’ for the marginalized. I believe that we survivors of trauma have roles to play as…… Read more “Survivor Story: Bill Kessenich”
Survivor Story: Kathryn Walczyk
“Writing has been a catalyst to health. As a child I didn’t have language for what was happening to me.” Kathryn Walczyk, 61, lives with a more…… Read more “Survivor Story: Kathryn Walczyk”
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