Broken Trust: Stories of Pain, Hope, and Healing from Clerical Abuse Survivors and Abusers

by Patrick Fleming, Sue Lauber-Fleming, Mark T. Matousek

From Boston to Los Angeles, Catholic sexual abuse scandals have been widely coverd in the media. Here for the first time the personal stories of those involved, both abusers and survivors, are presented with profound psychological insight. Five priest abusers reveal the personal tragedy behind the terrible betrayals they committed. Told in their own words—words of anger, repentance, and even self-delusion—they share their struggles with the dark forces that led them to abuse those in their care. And they give us insight into their difficult road to recovery. Silent no more, the survivors reveal the pain, trauma, shame, and devastation they have experienced at the hands of those they trusted most. We witness their courage as they go on to seek healing and peace with the past. Anyone serious about understanding the clergy abuse scandals, and everyone dedicated to building a world where such atrocities can never happen again, must read this book.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Ed Zirkwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most people have heard of Catholic sexual abuse scandals. What is different here is the personal stories of those involved, abusers and survivors, along with professional psychological commentary. Five Catholic priest abusers in their own words tell their personal terrible histories. Their honesty may be difficult to hear but reveals their inner thoughts and actions. Each of these five talk about their road to recovery which many abusers may not do. The survivor stories I found even more difficult to listen to: pain, trauma, shame, and devastation. Abuse from the hands of clergy is more devastating than what happens in the non-religious world because they have experienced abuse from those they trusted most. We hear their valiant efforts to find peace. A must read if you want to find greater understanding regarding this topic and may motivate the reader in various ways: help others, help themselves perhaps in recovery and prevention and changes to the system.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both heart-wrenching and beautiful...
Also extremely informative