Introduction:Welcome Beloved! This week, we continue our "Let Our Children Go" series by Rebecca Greenwood. We’ll be diving into chapters 7 & 8, focusing on how to love and support those affected by child abuse. Whether you are a parent, a minister, or a friend, this episode will equip you with essential knowledge on responding to disclosures of abuse and supporting survivors on their healing journey.Topics Covered:What to do after an initial abuse disclosure and legal responsibilities.The stages children go through when disclosing abuse and how to respond.Essential resources for supporting survivors through the healing journey.How to create a safe space for inner healing and spiritual restoration.Understanding the Disclosure Process:Abuse disclosures are rarely a one-time event; they unfold over time.Many children delay disclosure for weeks, months, or even years due to fear and psychological manipulation.Research shows that 60% of abused children do not tell anyone until adulthood or never disclose at all.Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome:Secrecy: Grooming techniques used by abusers keep the child silent.Helplessness: The child may not understand the abuse is wrong or believe they have power to stop it.Entrapment & Accommodation: The child adapts to the abuse to maintain family harmony or avoid harm.Delayed Disclosure: Fear of disbelief or consequences prevents immediate disclosure.Retraction or Recantation: When facing family distress or disbelief, children may withdraw their statements.Responding to a Child’s Disclosure:Believe and affirm the child’s experience.Report immediately to Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services (CPS).Avoid questioning the child; only trained forensic interviewers should conduct interviews.Do not confront the abuser; allow legal authorities to handle the case.Ensure the child receives counseling and a forensic interview through a Children’s Advocacy Center.Provide a stable, safe environment for the child to heal.Spiritual Response to Abuse:Survivors must process emotions such as anger, denial, and fear before true healing begins.Encouraging open lament and emotional expression prevents inner wounds from festering.Teaching children thatGod is their protector and healer fosters restoration.Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God, but itdoes not mean reconciliation with an unrepentant abuser.Key Scriptures for Healing:Isaiah 43:1 – God has redeemed you and calls you by name.2 Corinthians 1:3-7 – God is the Father of compassion and comfort.Psalm 139:23-24 – God can reveal and heal anxious thoughts.How to Support Abuse Survivors – Do’s & Don’tsDo listen with empathy; don’t minimize their experience. (Psalm 31:10)Do be patient; don’t push for full disclosure. (1 Peter 2:17)Do offer spiritual encouragement; don’t assume they are ready. (Galatians 5:25)Do help them find resources; don’t leave them to navigate alone. (Proverbs 15:22)Do pray for them; don’t underestimate the power of intercession. (Ephesians 6:18)Inner Healing & Deliverance Resource for Survivors:From the Oaklee CollectivePrayers of Promise & Protection Manual:Forgiveness (Page 3)Uncovering Lies & Partnering with Truth (Page 11)Removing Legal Rights from the Enemy (Page 13)Breaking Generational Curses (Page 14)Prayers of Protection for Children (Page 25)Prayer of Forgiveness & Breaking Intimate Bonding (Page 28)Additional Resources:National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453)Oaklee Collective Weekly Family Activities: Sign up atwww.oakleecollective.com/bookclub or visit our store atwww.oakleecollective.com/store (after February 2025).Forgiveness EpisodeBreaking Soul Ties EpisodeClosing Encouragement:Thank you for joining us in this vital conversation. If you found this episode helpful, please share it and consider leaving a review to help others find healing and hope.Beat Provided By https://freebeats.ioProduced By White Hot
