2019 “Created to Thrive” CBE International Conference
The incidence of abuse is far more common than we believe. According to the CDC, half of all relationships involve lifelong emotional abuse. Recent studies point to much higher numbers. However, when a victim finds the courage to finally speak up, more often than not she is dismissed, not believed, given unhealthy ultimatums, criticized, or shunned. The response sustains the abuse and causes further harms. This second layer of abuse is what Annette Oltmans has termed Double Abuse®. Double Abuse® exacerbates trauma caused by original abuse and can lead a victim to develop complex trauma, or Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). In this breakout session, Annette takes a look at this complicated topic and provides tangible solutions. Listeners will walk away with a new perspective, equipped with tools to respond in healthy and helpful ways to prevent further harm and promote healing and restoration when a victim comes forward with their story of abuse.
Annette Oltmans is a contributing writer in CBE’s latest book, Created to Thrive: Cultivating Abuse-Free Faith Communities, which brings together experts and faith leaders to tackle topics related to abuse. Created to Thrive equips churches to respond wisely to reports of abuse and create safe spaces where all can flourish, and it explores the dangerous consequences of women’s devaluation and how theology can perpetuate abuse. Learn more here.
