The Ruth Institute is pleased to introduce a new feature to its website: “Ask a Survivor,” which will be managed by Faith Hakesley, author of Glimmers of Grace: Moments of Peace & Healing Following Sexual Abuse.
Ruth Institute President, Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D., said: “I am delighted to bring Mrs. Hakesley and her expertise to our readers. Part of our mission is fighting for justice for victims of sexual abuse. The ‘Ask a Survivor’ blog will help to strengthen that commitment.”
“Faith was abused by a Catholic priest when she was a teenager. Through years of hard work, she has overcome and healed from this trauma and now works with other survivors. I interviewed her on The Dr. J Show, and she spoke at our 2020 Summit for Survivors of the Sexual Revolution.”
“My expertise lies in victimization,” Hakesley said. “Because of what happened to me, I easily empathize with others and can create for them a level of comfort and reassurance as they seek healing.”
“A lot of times, people who have suffered abuse (whether it’s direct as in sexual abuse or indirect as in being sucked into the hook-up culture) don’t know what’s normal when they’re trying to heal. They wonder:
- Why do I feel this way?
- Why am I thinking like this?
- How can I get through this difficult moment?
- How am I supposed to move forward now that this horrible thing has happened?
A parent or loved one of a survivor might have similar questions:
- What are the signs of abuse?
- Why is my child acting like this?
- How can I help?
- I’m pretty upset myself. Have I been traumatized too?”
“These questions are all part of ‘Survival 101.’ Therapy and research are important, but sometimes people just need a ‘Regular Susie’ to talk to and to explain things in a simple way. The fields of psychology and criminal justice, which survivors tend to find themselves in, can be confusing, overwhelming, and not exactly as good and moral as they should be,” Hakesley said.
Hakesley has been blogging and answering questions at her website Faith Restored for three years. “I enjoy providing answers to any questions that people might have. Bringing awareness, hope, peace, and healing is always my goal,” Hakesley said.
“I want Ruth Institute readers to know, above all, ‘I’m here for you. Let’s talk.’”
If you’d like to ask Faith a question, please email her at AskASurvivor@ruthinstitute.org.
ABOUT THE RUTH INSTITUTE
The Ruth Institute Home – Ruth Institute is a global non-profit organization, leading an international interfaith coalition to defend the family and build a civilization of love.
Jennifer Roback Morse is the author of The Sexual State – Ruth Institute and Love and Economics – It Takes a Family to Raise a Village – Ruth Institute
To schedule an interview with Dr. Morse, contact media@ruthinstitute.org.
What advice would give for someone wanting to support someone who has experienced trauma? How can they best support them?