A SURVIVOR’S PRAYER

Lord, help me acknowledge that I am a victim of abuse. Transform me from being a victim into becoming a survivor. Teach me to understand that the abuse was not my fault. Release mefrom the shame and guilt that I carry inside for it is not mine to carry. Embrace me with love during those times when I do not love myself. Empower me to break the silence, to tell my secret to those I love. Calm mewhen I feel anger and frustration building up inside of me. Comfort mewhen the pain fills me and the tears will not stop. Strengthen me when I feel alone or think that no one cares. Nurture me so that I grow and learn to trust and love others. Open me so I might feel the emotions that are locked inside. Purify me so that I am clean and innocent in your eyes. Heal me so that I can live my life as a whole person. Use me to help others who are victims to become survivors. AMEN
Written by
Stephen T. Fader and Judy Lynn

CRISIS HOTLINES

Child Sexual Abuse
Stop It Now!
Phone: 1-888-PREVENT
(1-888-773-8368)

Crime Victims
National Center for Victims of Crime
Phone: 1-800-FYI-CALL
(1-800-394-2255)
TTY: 1-800-211-7996

Dating Abuse
Love is Respect
Phone: 1-866-331-9474
TTY: 1-866-331-8453

Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE
(1-800-799-7233)
TTY: 1-800-787-3224

Rape and Sexual Abuse
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE
(1-800-656-4673)

Runaway and Homeless Youth
National Runaway Safeline
Phone: 1-800-RUNAWAY
(1-800-786-2929)

Suicide Prevention
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone: 1-800-273-TALK
(1-800-273-8255)
TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY
(1-800-799 4889)

Missing and Abducted Children
Child Find of America, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-I-AM-LOST
(1-800-426-5678)

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Phone: 1-800-THE-LOST
(1-800-843-5678)

National Alliance on Mental Illness
https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI

Substance abuse national hotline
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
TTY: 1-800-487-4889
Website: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Substance Use Treatment Locator
FindTreatment.gov

CRISIS HOTLINES PDF

Disclaimer
The materials contained on this site are made available for educational purposes only and are not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace consultation with your physician or mental health professional. Information about diagnosis and treatment that appears on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a physical or mental health problem without consulting a qualified professional. You are advised to consult your health care provider about your personal questions or concerns.

RESOURCES

EVERY DONATION HELPS!

PROUD TO BE PART OF…

HOW TO RECEIVE A SURVIVOR STORY:

The VEEL Method
The most important way you may be called to respond to a survivor is to hear their story, their “Sacred Story” as I refer to these narrative gifts.

A MODEL FOR CHURCHES TO ADDRESS TRAUMA AND ABUSE

The Trauma Informed Church
There are six guiding principles in setting up a trauma-informed community or organization.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ON TRAUMA

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, And Body in the Healing of Trauma
by Bessel van Der Kolk MD

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Perry, MD

Transforming Trauma: The Path to Hope and Healing
by James S. Gordon, MD

The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity
by Nadine Burke Harris, MD

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist’s Notebook — What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing
by Bruce Perry, MD, PhD and Maia Szalavitz

FROM A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse
by Steve R. Tracy

Suffering and the Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Restores
by Diane Langberg

The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse
by Dan B. Allender

The Broken Way: a Daring Path into the Abundant Life
by Ann Voskamp

Veronica’s Veil
by T. Pitt Green

Hurting in the Church: A Way Forward for Wounded Catholics
by Fr. Thomas Berg

My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints
by Dawn Eden

MARIA GORETTI NETWORK
(ABUSE SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP

MARIA GORETTI NETWORK

The MGN was founded in 2004 by Catholic survivors of sexual abuse. We are a 501(c)(3) faith-based, non-profit, self-help support network for victims of all abuse of any faith. All victims of all abuse of any faith. All victims of abuse need love and support.

It doesn’t matter if the abuse was physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual, or mental. It does not matter who the abuser was, whether it was a relative, a friend, a spouse, a minister, a priest, a nun, a rabbi, a teacher, a coach, or a stranger, we welcome you.

We are survivors and friends of survivors who understand the need to experience the healing power of Jesus Christ.

We are not after money. Money is irrelevant when your soul has been destroyed. We are not out for revenge. We have found that the hate and anger towards those who harmed us prevents us from a full recovery. We leave vengeance to God. Our sole interest is in helping our brothers and sisters experience healing in God’s love.

To learn more about the Maria Goretti Network, or to find out how you can form a chapter at your parish or church please visit their official website at:

www.mgoretti.org

I am proud to be their spokesperson and have helped to form a Maria Goretti Network chapter at St. Martha’s Parish in Kingwood, Texas. If you would like to contact us about our meetings email: stmarthamgn@gmail.com

Resources & Prayers