let’s define a few terms

Throughout the stories being told, you’ll find labels and terminology you may or may not be familiar with. 

Understanding the definitions is important, so we’re on the same page when we’re unpacking someone’s experience, and so we can understand more of our own experience.

Here’s a guide for a few of those terms and the references so you can learn more about each one. 

Abuse: The mistreatment and violation of a person through various forms—spiritual, sexual, emotional, verbal, physical, or financial—by an individual who holds power over them.

Source: Clergy Sexual Misconduct Information & Resources. (n.d.). Definitions. https://clergysexualmisconduct.com/definitions

Betrayal Trauma: A form of trauma that occurs when someone trusted, like a spiritual leader, abuses their power and violates the victim’s trust. It often includes institutional betrayal when organizations silence or discredit victims.

Source: Freyd, J. J. (1996). Betrayal trauma: The logic of forgetting childhood abuse. Harvard University Press.

Clergy Sexual Abuse: Clergy sexual abuse refers to any sexual behavior or contact by a religious leader toward someone under their spiritual care, often involving a clear power imbalance. It is considered a violation of professional ethics and trust, regardless of the perceived consent, due to the inherent authority held by the clergy.

Source: Clergy Sexual Misconduct Information & Resources. (n.d.). Definitions. https://clergysexualmisconduct.com/definitions

Clergy Sexual Misconduct (CSM): The abuse of power by a spiritual leader who engages in sexual behavior with someone under their care, violating ethical boundaries and causing trauma. Also known as adult clergy sexual abuse (ACSA).

Source: The Hope of Survivors. (n.d.). What is clergy sexual misconduct? https://www.thehopeofsurvivors.com

Coercive Control: A strategic pattern of behavior that strips away a person's independence, identity, and decision-making ability. In cases of clergy sexual abuse, coercive control keeps victims compliant and silent.

Source: Clergy Sexual Misconduct Information & Resources. (n.d.). Definitions. https://clergysexualmisconduct.com/definitions

Confirmation Bias: The tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one’s preexisting beliefs while ignoring contrary evidence.

Source: Nickerson, R. S. (1998). Confirmation bias: A ubiquitous phenomenon in many guises. Review of General Psychology, 2(2), 175–220.

Fawning: A trauma response where a person seeks to avoid conflict and secure safety by pleasing the perpetrator, often seen in abuse survivors as people-pleasing or codependent behavior.

Source: Senreich, E., Straussner, S. L. A., & Dann, J. (Eds.). (2024). Experiential therapies for treating trauma (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003455851

Gaslighting: A form of psychological abuse where the abuser manipulates a victim’s perception of reality, causing confusion, self-doubt, and dependency. Religious language is sometimes used to justify the abuse.

Source: Abramson, K. (2014). Turning up the lights on gaslighting. Philosophical Perspectives, 28(1), 1–30.

Grooming: A manipulative process where a perpetrator slowly desensitizes the victim to inappropriate behavior, making it seem normal and increasing vulnerability to abuse.

Source: Craven, S., Brown, S., & Gilchrist, E. (2006). Sexual grooming of children: Review of literature and theoretical considerations. Journal of Sexual Aggression, 12(3), 287–299.

Halo Effect: A cognitive bias where a positive impression of someone in one area influences beliefs about their abilities in other areas.

Source: Thorndike, E. L. (1920). A constant error in psychological ratings. Journal of Applied Psychology, 4(1), 25–29.

Trauma: A physical, emotional, or psychological response to a deeply distressing experience, such as abuse or betrayal.

Source: van der Kolk, B. (2015). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.

Victim Blaming: Holding the victim responsible for their abuse, often to protect the abuser or institution. This exacerbates trauma and discourages reporting.

Source: Grubb, A., & Turner, E. (2012). Attribution of blame in rape cases: A review of the impact of rape myth acceptance, gender role conformity and substance use on victim blaming. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 17(5), 443–452.