I stay and I follow: clerical reflections on pastoral care for victims of sexual abuse

J Pastoral Care Counsel. 2013 Jun;67(2):5.

Abstract

In this focus group study with clerics from the Church of Sweden, the Catholic Church, and the Free Church Movement, experiences of pastoral care for victims of sexual abuse were explored. The material was analyzed using thematic analysis. The participants expressed a wish to offer the best care possible. However, insecurity, a perceived lack of psychological competences, and restrictions imposed by the vow of silence provoked self-protective strategies that may affect both clerics and confidants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Anecdotes as Topic
  • Clergy / methods*
  • Clergy / psychology
  • Crime Victims / psychology*
  • Crime Victims / rehabilitation
  • Faith Healing / methods*
  • Faith Healing / psychology
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Religion and Psychology*
  • Sex Offenses / psychology*
  • Spirituality
  • Sweden
  • Young Adult