April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) “This is a time for advocates, survivors, their loved ones, and the community to come together to talk openly about sexual violence to support survivors, increase knowledge and awareness, and identify strategies and resources to prevent sexual violence.” -The Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS)
What does faith have to do with overcoming trauma like sexual abuse and assault (SA)? Is it possible to heal from SA? And what can the Church (local and general) do to better support victims and survivors of the devastating effects of SA? Two special guests help to answer these questions. Both survivors and authors:
Joyce Moore The Flower Girl/Hidden purchase at www.theflowergirlbook.com
Queen Hatchett Survival of the Inner Man purchase at www.queenhwrites.gumroad.com
In this episode of The Pew, two special guests shed light on the subject of Sexual Abuse & Assault (SA) to bring awareness and hope to those directly and indirectly impacted by abuse and assault. Though a heavy topic, the host and guest’s comradery create a warm and insightful dialogue. Joyce Moore is a businesswoman and gifted organist who recently penned her memoir, The Flower Girl/Hidden, where she shares how God delivered her from the abuse she experienced from the ages of 3 to 18. Queen Hatchett is a writer and poet with several published works including, Survival of the Inner Man, an autobiography where she shares her journey from SA victim to survivor- from the inside out. Both women are mothers and grandmothers who are using their trauma and healing to bring awareness, foster prevention, and help others find healing through the power of God’s love.
Out of the discussion comes powerful revelations such as:
the layered trauma for victims of people of power, including the concept of spiritual devastation when abused by clergy
the feeling of healing from sexual abuse
and an understanding of the difference between a SA victim versus survivor (wounds vs. scars)
The Pew Newsletter and Podcast primarily focus on Church Culture, with a secondary focus on faith and sex. The Pew is edited and hosted by LaQuilia Graham, a freelance editor. She is also the author of What Every Virgin Should Know (2016) and creator of Your Beautiful Broken Heart (2018) an online course for heartbreak recovery. Ms. Graham currently resides in Brooklyn, NY.
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