Silence and Silenced: Implications for the Spirituality of Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Abstract

Survivors of sexual abuse are frequently met with cultures of silence which make it difficult for their experiences to be acknowledged. Furthermore, many have been subjected to threats and intimidation in efforts to ensure that they remain silent about what has happened to them. One response to such experiences is to keep oneself busy and avoid ever being quiet enough to experience a sense of silence within. However, many spiritual traditions promote the embracing of silence as essential for those seeking spiritual development. This paper explores these diverse experiences of silence for survivors of sexual abuse and considers why spiritualities which promote silence can be problematic.

Feminist Theology and the Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis

“…As Beth Crisp notes, "In some churches, longstanding expectations have promulgated the message that docility and obedience are the correct response of Christians to their clergy in all matters." 87 She goes on to question the valorization of silence in spiritual practice and further points out that "[t]he ability to appreciate silence requires a perception that the silent space is a safe one to explore." 88 A final comment is in order on the role of speech and silence in how the hierarchy have responded to the crisis.…”

The Spiritual Implications of Sexual Abuse: Not Just an Issue for Religious Women?

“…Given that discussion of even legitimate and non-abusive sexual expression between consenting persons is frequently a taboo subject, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to disclose that one has been sexually abused. Many women cannot talk about their abuse, and remain silent for years or even decades after it occurred (Crisp, 2010c). Terror can render individuals psychologically shattered and physically unable to speak of their experiences, as is often the case for those who have endured some form of torture:…”

“…In such cases, it may only be years later, when the perpetrator has died or for some other reason is no longer in a position in which they have any possibility of carrying out their threats, that women feel able to disclose what has happened to them. There may also be some women for whom choosing not to speak about what has happened to them creates a sense of control over a situation in which any sense of control had previously been denied to them (Crisp, 2010c). One arena in which many survivors are anxious as to the reaction of news that they have been sexually assaulted is in the workplace.…”