A Helping Hand: Healing Sexual Violence through the Church Community.

摘要

This thesis aims to address three primary areas in hopes of identifying a sound Christian approach for healing sexual trauma. First, biblical practices of sexual conduct and narratives of sexual assault will be examined from Levitical Holiness Codes, Old and New Testament writings, 2 Samuel 13, Genesis 34, and Judges 19. Second, a discussion on the psychological and spiritual consequences of sexual assault and their impact on family systems will follow. Third, the thesis will identify effective psychological and spiritual interventions for healing of the individual victim, the victim's family, and healing within the church community. Healing and restoration may begin by observing biblical instances and applying spiritual and counseling disciplines to overcome the trauma of sexual violence.