Our Forums on Public Faith exist to help us think Christianly about issues of public concern. Our most recent forum addressed the pressing issue of sexual assault. Recent Hollywood scandals and the #MeToo movement have pushed the issue of sexual assault into public consciousness. How should we respond? Can the church be a safe place for survivors? How does the gospel of Christ offer a unique and distinct hope in the midst of sexual brokenness?
Guest panelists include: Shanda Anderson, LPC-S and Jessie Wells, LMSW from the Austin Stone Counseling Center.
Audio from our past forums can be found at soundcloud.com/forum-on-public-faith.
Austin Sexual Assault Resources
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline
General information about sexual assault:
- RAINN – www.rainn.org
- TAASA – Texas Associaton Against Sexual Assault: (http://taasa.org)
- NSVRC – National Sexual Violence Resource Center: (https://www.nsvrc.org)
- Ideas for Safety Planning
Resources in Austin Texas
- APD Sex Crimes Unit Information: (austintexas.gov/department/sex-crimes)
- APD Victim Services:512-974-5000
- SafePlace: 512-267-7233 or text 737-888-7233 (SafeAustin.org)
- Services for Students at the University of Texas
Sexual Assault Legal Resources:
- Texas Attorney General (information on crime victim services and reporting)
- SALSA– Free and confidential legal assistance for people who have had an unwanted sexual experience 888-343-4414
- TRLA – Volunteer legal services (http://www.trla.org/office/Austin)
- LASSA (Legal aid for survivors of sexual Assault) 844-303-SAFE
Austin Counseling Resources:
- Austin Stone Counseling Center: (austinstonecounseling.org)
- Kathleen Choe: (kathleenchoe.com)
- Gene Kummerer: (genekummerer.com)
Articles for those looking to support sexual assault victims:
- Pastoral Care and Refuge for Rape Victims
- Soul Care to the Sexually Violated (Part 1)
- Soul Care to the Sexually Violated (Part 2)
- How Can the Church Minister to Victims of Sexual Abuse?
Books and resources for Victims and Survivors:
- Sexual Assault: Healing Support for Victims by David Powlison
- Rid of My Disgrace: Hope for Victims of Sexual Assault by Justin & Lindsey Holcomb
- Rid of My disgrace Discussion Guide by Justin Holcomb
- Sexual Abuse: Beauty for Ashes by Robert Kellemen
- Abuse: Finding Hope in Christ (The Gospel for Real Life) by John Henderson
- The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse