Forgotten Victims of Sex Abusers: For Spouses, Families, Friends, and Parishioners
Ebook
This book honors the courageous sex victims who exposed their abusers. The spotlight, and rightly so, has been on them and their predators. William Kraft contends, however, that little attention and help has been given to those who unknowingly knew a sex offender, people such as spouses, family friends, and parishioners--the unintended victims. Kraft gives these forgotten and silent victims a voice. He recognizes, listens, and responds to people who trusted, often admired, and perhaps loved a sex offender--the shocked woman whose husband is found guilty of sexual assault, the stunned parents and disillusioned parishioners of a pedophile priest, the lost man of an unfaithful wife, and the depressed parent of a promiscuous child. Kraft wants us to cease forgetting these victims and offer them help. His proposal is that sex abusers cause severe and lasting harm because their defilement is not only physical but also emotional, social, and most importantly spiritual because abusers violate bonds such as trust, fidelity, and love. Thus, Kraft offers concrete psychological and spiritual ways to achieve effective management and healing.
“This book is a spiritual work of mercy. Dr. Kraft draws from
rare expertise and decades of experience as he names the
suffering—the shame, sorrow, and rage—of many long-neglected
victims. This book can mark the beginning of healing, in hearts and
minds and in communities.”
—Mike Aquilina, author of Yours Is the Church
“Dr. Kraft compassionately writes a spiritually directed
understanding of silent victims whose lives are changed by the
actions of their loved one. His approach provides hope and
empowerment through a healing process. . . . Forgotten victims do
not forget, and they are not alone. This book offers choice,
freedom, connection, and closure to those who have been paralyzed
by silence.”
—Jennifer A. Regester, Clinical Director, Anchorpoint Counseling
Ministry, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
“An excellent tool for victims to read! Dr. Kraft describes how
victims need to create their own playing field, rules, and
boundaries to replace co-dependently participating in the abuser’s
game and their irrational and destructive logic. Dr. Kraft provides
considerable insight for the victim on how to take care of and love
themselves in order to become free from an abuser’s emotional and
physical control.”
—Ron Barnes, Executive Director, Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Title: Forgotten Victims of Sex Abusers: For Spouses, Families, Friends, and Parishioners
- Author: William F. Kraft
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2020
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781725255722, 9781725255708, 9781725255715, 1725255723, 1725255707, 1725255715
- Resource ID: LLS:9781725255722
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-12-12T07:51:16Z
William F. Kraft is Professor Emeritus at Carlow University in
Pittsburgh, author of many books and articles, licensed therapist,
international speaker, consultant to religious dioceses and
congregations, and an advocate for abused persons.