Breaking the Silence on Clergy Sexual Abuse
When I first learned my child had been victimized by someone we trusted for spiritual guidance, I felt overwhelmed by grief and betrayal. However, I soon realized that staying silent about clergy sexual abuse would only allow the darkness of shame and fear to fester. Speaking out transformed not only my personal journey, but it also served as a beacon of hope and validation for other child sexual abuse survivors and their families.
The Power of Women’s Voices in Seeking Justice
The journey toward justice can be long and discouraging, especially when abusers hold positions of authority. But women—especially mothers—have a unique power in their voices. By choosing to publicly share my story, I stood not only for my child, but also for the countless mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and friends who have felt helpless or ignored. Women’s voices echo empathy and a fierce commitment to protecting children and supporting survivors.
Advocacy as a Path to Healing
In speaking openly about the trauma inflicted by clergy sexual abuse, I found that advocacy fuels healing. Working through Tentemtakers of Louisiana, I collaborate with other survivor advocacy organizations to:
- Demand accountability for abusers and transparency from institutions.
- Provide resources for emotional and spiritual healing.
- Offer a supportive community to survivors and their loved ones.
These efforts remind survivors that they are not alone and empower those who have long suffered in silence to step forward. Public advocacy—through petitions, letters, testimonies, or simply sharing your experience—can truly advance both healing and justice.
Rebuilding Faith and Restoring Trust
A priest’s betrayal reaches deep into one’s faith community. Families may feel their trust in religious institutions is irreparably harmed. While the road to rebuilding faith can be winding, open dialogue and accountability within the community are key. Many survivors and their families find solace in recognizing that they are not alone in their pain—and that real change is possible when we confront systemic failures head-on.
Your Voice Can Make a Difference
- Speak Up: Whether you are a survivor, a parent, or a supportive friend, your voice can shift public perception and encourage others to share their stories.
- Seek Support: Professional counseling, peer-led support groups, and faith-based resources (if comfortable) can provide coping strategies, reduce isolation, and foster a sense of hope.
- Demand Accountability: Write letters to parole boards, state representatives, or organizational leadership.
- Insist that the justice system and faith institutions protect victims rather than shield abusers.
Women Leading the Way
Mothers, in particular, possess an unwavering instinct to protect and heal. By speaking boldly, we break the cycle of secrecy surrounding child sexual abuse. We champion the truth that no family should walk this path alo
ne—and no offender should feel empowered by our silence.
Final Thoughts
My personal story as a mother of a clergy sexual abuse survivor reminds me daily that silence only perpetuates suffering. Every time I advocate for justice, every time I lend my voice to the survivor community, and every time another woman steps forward, we collectively build a safer environment for our children. Our words can transform both individual lives and entire institutions.
Your voice can be that transformation. Let it ring out—strong, clear, and unapologetic—on behalf of every survivor who deserves protection, healing, and the assurance that their life matters.
Letitia Peyton is a devoted mother and the Executive Director of Tentemtakers of Louisiana. Her mission is to raise awareness about child sexual abuse, advocate for survivors’ rights, and empower families to seek both justice and healing
