Shining a Light on Adult Clergy Abuse
We provide info & resources to those affected by clergy sexual misconduct (CSM) & ministries desiring to be a safe place.
About this website
How We Provide Assistance
Welcome. Clergy sexual misconduct (CSM), also known as adult clergy sexual abuse (ACSA), is any sexualized behavior by a church leader/spiritual leader toward someone under their spiritual care, who by nature is in a position of less power and authority. CSM is an abuse of power and authority, not an “affair,” as it cannot be considered mutual consent due to the unequal power dynamics. When the leader forgoes their ethical obligation to maintain healthy boundaries between themself and those they are ministering to, the leader is misusing their power to violate the sacred trust and safety of the victim, committing a breach of fiduciary duty, and violating professional ethics, often resulting in a traumatic experience for the victim.
Clergy sexual misconduct against adults is a criminal offense in several U.S. states and is increasing.
This website exists to help adult victim-survivors (aged 18+ or no longer considered a minor) of CSM/ACSA identify the abuse they are experiencing and find appropriate help.
Besides providing help for clergy abuse victim-survivors, this website is designed to provide information to church leaders and members to help them better understand CSM/ACSA, prevent it from occurring, and deal with it appropriately by directing them to relevant resources, organizations, and ministries.
Although this website approaches the subject of CSM/ACSA from a Christian perspective, the information provided is useful and applicable to individuals of any religion and spiritual practice.
Information contained in this website applies regardless of gender. Since studies show that most victims are women and most clergy who abuse are men, this website is written with language reflecting that reality.
Am I Being Abused?
If you believe that you may be a victim of clergy sexual misconduct (CSM)/adult clergy sexual abuse (ACSA), we invite you to learn more about the signs of abuse. It is absolutely normal to feel confused and conflicted about CSM, and this website serves to bring clarity and assistance in finding help, freedom, and healing.
I'm Affected by CSM
Has the issue of clergy sexual misconduct (CSM)/adult clergy sexual abuse (ACSA) impacted your life, even though you personally were not a victim of the abuse? If you have been affected by CSM, whether it is because it occurred in your church or happened to your loved one or spouse, we welcome you to learn more about CSM and how you can respond in a way that is both healing for you and helpful to the healing process of the survivors(s).
Stay Up to Date
CSM Research Insights is our free quarterly digest that delivers concise yet impactful explorations into research on clergy sexual misconduct (CSM) against adults, survivor stories, and expert perspectives. Our approach is to bridge the gaps between academic research, survivor journeys, and expert viewpoints, offering focused content that brings depth to the conversation on adult clergy sexual abuse. We aim to foster a community that values understanding, resilience, and expert knowledge. See the archive.
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