Let Me Prey Upon You - Healing After Clergy AbuseLet Me Prey Upon You - Healing After Clergy Abuse
Finding OK - Healing After Sexual Assault and Abuse
Sandy Phillips Kirkham shares her journey from clergy abuse survivor to advocate, emphasizing the importance of speaking out and seeking support.
1:33:18•17 Oct 2023
From Silence to Strength: Sandy Phillips Kirkham on Overcoming Clergy Abuse
Episode Overview
- Sandy's experience of surviving clergy abuse and her journey of healing and advocacy
- The environment of church as a hunting ground for predators and the impact of clergy abuse
- Importance of speaking out, seeking support, and educating oneself about abuse
- Complexities of recovery and the critical need for accountability within church communities
- Sandy's emphasis on reclaiming power, supporting survivors, and promoting community awareness
“I'm just saying that if he wants to continue to love my abuser, that's great, but he can love him sitting in the third row of the church. He doesn't belong.”
What happens when the place you trust most becomes a source of pain? Sandy Phillips Kirkham knows this all too well. In this heartfelt episode, she shares her journey from being a devoted church member to a survivor of clergy abuse. At just 16, Sandy was manipulated by her youth pastor, leading to years of trauma that she kept secret for nearly three decades.
Her story is not just about survival but about reclaiming her life and using her voice to help others. Today, Sandy is an outspoken advocate for survivors, serving on the board of the Council Against Child Abuse and working with The Hope of Survivors. She’s even taken her fight for justice to the Ohio Senate and beyond. In this episode, Sandy discusses her powerful book, 'Let Me Prey Upon You', and delves into the dark realities of clergy abuse.
She emphasizes the importance of speaking out, seeking support, and educating oneself about abuse. Sandy's experience sheds light on the complexities of recovery and the critical need for accountability within church communities. Whether you're a survivor or someone looking to support a loved one, Sandy's story offers invaluable insights and a beacon of hope.
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