Drs. Bickford & Covington
are headed to VIRGINIA!
#SafeChurch
ANNOUNCING:
Seminar on Sexual Abuse in the Church
October 10 -12, 2019
We will be sharing over three days of a eight-week nondenominational seminar. It's a unique opportunity to learn about a hidden problem and seldom discussed issue, a true taboo in our midst: sexual abuse in the church. Available statistical information demonstrates that abuse against women is a rampant global phenomenon. It is estimated that every third woman experiences violence among the people and settings she trusts the most. Included in this safe context is the church, often her very own congregation.
What happens to a person who has been sexually assaulted by her clergy or other respected congregants? What happens to the church leader who is involved in taking sexual advantage of his church members and worshipers?
Systematic research and resource materials – both – are severely lacking regarding the above questions. For one, victims are afraid and ashamed to talk about what happened to them. Second, perpetrators, whether lay people or staff, fear getting caught, and, thus, do their utmost to keep their violations a hidden secret. Third, churches are reluctant to tarnish their image in the community where they are respected as a pillar of strength and wisdom. Thus, denial and secrecy keep this epidemic flourishing.
This cross-disciplinary seminar offers the participants unbiased evidence, information and discussion about sexual abuse in the church through the eyes of the victim, the therapist, and the researcher. A survivor with a remarkable recovery story shares her experience. Clinical psychologists present the effects of trauma on victims’ lives and present strategies to facilitate the long process of recovery. A data scientist explains the value of systematic information-driven research in solving practical problems.
This seminar is especially appropriate for church leaders, counselors, therapists, and other concerned or affected individuals and groups.
The seminar is organized by the nonprofit Sisu Advantage.
The #SafeChurch Seminar: Sexual Abuse in the Church
The full seminar will be offered over 8 weeks. Drs. Bickford and Covington will be highlighted October 10, 11 and 12.
Presenters all hold doctorates in their specific area of expertise.
Kurt Bickford, Clinical psychologist
Tracy Covington, Clinical psychologist
Marjo Mitsutomi, CEO of the Sisu Advantage
Jerry Platt, Professor and Dean Emeritus, SFSU
Share it with your East Coast friends & family!
