Episode 18 - Finding Our Own Way

'Trigger Warning' if you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse please remember the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 24-Hour Helpline 1800 77 8888

In today’s podcast (episode 18) ‘Finding Our Own Way!’  we will be discussing the role the church played in encouraging and maintaining an environment where child sexual abuse was allowed to continue with impunity.

The church's approach to sex and sexuality not only caused immense pain and suffering, but as victims of child sexual abuse, it compounded the shame and self-hatred we already felt.

The shame also encouraged secrecy and silence, and their teachings ensured men and women were treated differently, promoting gender inequality. This managed to create an environment where men became dominant and women submissive.

They preached that natural human desires were sinful. Even married couples were told that they should not engage in sexual intimacy unless it was to procreate. This unnatural state of abstinence only heightened the attraction to sex while ensuring it remained viewed as dirty, disgusting and sinful.

How could anyone feel good about themselves while upholding those beliefs. The destruction to our psyche while constantly having to return to the church seeking forgiveness and praying for the strength to be a good worthy person.

We hope by sharing our experiences we can encourage healthy questioning regardless of your faith, if the message is true it can and should encourage scrutiny.  We feel without challenging our own beliefs we would continue to surfer feeling unworthy without ever really understanding why.

Please share and spread the word……

Take care

Joyce, June and Paula