Sexual abuse occurs when sexual exploitation by an older or more powerful person takes place for the satisfaction of the abuser's needs. The misused power can be actual physical strength or perceived relational power. It can be engaged in with or without consent, or the understanding of what consent implies. Penetration does not have to happen for someone to experience sexual abuse.
There can also be sexual confusion when an adult uses a child in a relational way as a surrogate spouse. There may be no inappropriate physical contact, but there is an inappropriate relational contact that is confusing for children. This is sometimes called "emotional incest". It is not necessarily committed out of malice, but more often out of loneliness by an adult who struggles to intimately connect with his or her peers.
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Define: Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Abuse
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"Does penetration have to occur in order for a person to be sexually abused?"
No. As sexual abuse is defined, there are many different forms of sexual abuse. All sexual abuse is serious and damaging, whether it involves physical contact (clothed or unclothed) or a violation in relationships.
Unfortunately, childhood and adolescent abuse happens in all kinds of families and homes, including Christian homes. There is no segment of society untouched by abuse. Abuse happens among all races, religions, socio-economic groups, educated or uneducated people, and in all geographic locations.
Abuse affects every area of a victim's life. If victims do not receive help, the damage can be far reaching. Abuse damages the victim's view of God, other people and themselves. It is common for abuse survivors to have a history of dysfunctional relationships, anger management problems, depression, destructive or addictive behavior.
Committed to Freedom is a Christian retreat for adult survivors of childhood/adolescent abuse (specifically sexual abuse) to give them Spiritual tools to move beyond the abuse experience. It gives abuse survivors a brief oasis from the pressures of daily life in order to experience God's healing grace for their damaged lives.
"Who developed the Committed to Freedom ministry?"
Sallie Culbreth developed the retreat and the curriculum used in the retreat. Sallie is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Through her own experiences of being sexually abused and God's grace working in her life, she has developed this ministry. Sallie has assembled a team of sensitive, compassionate people to minister with her during the retreat.
There is no direct personal follow up after a retreat, but there are regular inspirational articles and "self-help" worksheets sent to participants, which help them to practice using the tools they acquired at a retreat. There are also books and study guides available. Committed to Freedom is also working to develop online support groups for retreat alumni.
"What can a participant expect at a Committed to Freedom retreat?"
Participants can expect to find rest; Spiritual tools for healing, cleansing; freedom; love; support; and fellowship from people who understand. Participants can expect to have an encounter with Jesus Christ in a profound, non-manipulative way.
One thing participants DO NOT do is share their abuse experience with other people at the retreat. The retreat focuses on how to move forward with Biblical tools. At every turn in the retreat, there are delightful surprises and even some fun moments!
The retreat costs vary depending on location and setting. We accept MasterCard and Visa. Some payment plans are available. Participants must pay a $25 deposit when applying for the retreat that will go toward the over-all cost of the retreat.
"How does a survivor attend a Committed to Freedom retreat?"
A Registration Form must be received for every participant who wants to attend a retreat. These may be obtained by requesting one from the national Committed to Freedom office by phone, mail, fax or email (listed below). We also have a form available for download.
"Why is the exact location of the retreat not available until a registration form has been received?"
Once we receive a completed Registration Form, we send detailed information including the facility location. We do this to protect the privacy of our retreat participants and to prevent visitors from disrupting the safety and confidentiality we value.
Promote the retreats and seminars in your publications, public announcements, and encourage survivors to attend.
Pray for this ministry. Support this ministry with your tax deductible gifts. Sponsor someone to attend a Committed to Freedom retreat or seminar by contacting our office, or designate donated funds through our website. Educate yourself about the issues and damage of abuse.
