Guilt and Shame in Adult Survivors of Abuse

Shame and guilt are often overarching and lingering issues for adult survivors of sexual abuse. A sense of being unclean and isolated can permeate a survivor’s sense of their own identity, warp their view of the reality of God’s world, and impact relationships long after the abuse has come to an end. There are also complex and confusing questions of guilt relating both to the original abuse and also to sinful struggles that develop as time goes on. This breakout session will enter the experience of isolation and rejection endured in long-term shame in order to bring a sense of new creation to the survivor’s sense of identity. We will also come alongside the survivor to sort through issues of guilt and responsibility with a sense of gospel grace and hope.