The sad fact is when thinking about my own personal experiences and friendship groups within the JA, it was more unusual to not have suffered from an inappropriate or underage sexual attack than to have been a victim. I would also point out that many of the victims were viewed as flirts, Jezebel or the like which further enforced the blame and shame they felt. Many have carried on through life trying not to think about the past and move on but it stays with them and destroys their future.
There’s a massive problem here and I’m not sure what the answer is. I strongly believe all abuse should be reported regardless of the time but it’s a personal choice so all I can do is try to advise counselling and hope things are resolved there. I’m always there to listen but that doesn’t seem enough and it’s so incredibly sad.
Enough is enough with treading carefully.. many people still in the JA knew what was happening and sorry but I don’t believe you sin and then ask for forgiveness and it’s all ok..that’s what happened all the time and meanwhile the victims are still destroyed. I do believe in mistakes and forgiveness, don’t get me wrong, but not on this scale, many abusers used this ‘biblical’ teaching.
Jesus Fellowship Survivors Association 