Sexual Assault: Healing Steps for Victims

CCEF Minibooks

by David A. Powlison

Sexual assault is an invasive event of traumatic evil. You were victimized, and now you are suffering. Whenever sexual abuse occurs, love is not part of the equation. Rather, the perpetrator uses power, domination, and control to injure innocent victims.In CCEFs Sexual Healing Steps for Victims, David Powlison gently leads those who have been wounded sexually to a deeper relationship with God--beyond the pain--with biblical action steps. By embracing their identity in Jesus, sufferers will not only understand the emotional and spiritual battles they face as sexual assault victims, they will be equipped to effectively overcome any fear, worry, anger, and shame and to offer hope to others in similar situation. All the minibooks in our Christian bookstore offer gospel-centered hope for everyday issues like parenting, marriage, and personal change. These easy-to-read discipleship and biblical counseling resources tackle lifes toughest issues in 30 minutes or less. Minibooks are frequently used by pastors and ministry leaders to help others apply biblical wisdom to specific life issues. Churches, biblical counseling ministries, and missional organizations make the minibooks available in their acrylic display cases to further discipleship and gospel-centered living.

Genres: Counselling

32 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 1905

About the author

David Powlison, MDiv, PhD, (1949–2019) was a teacher, counselor, and the executive director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He wrote many books and minibooks, including Speaking Truth in Love, Seeing with New Eyes, Good and Angry, Making All Things New, God's Grace in Your Suffering, Safe and Sound, and Take Heart. David was also the editor of The Journal of Biblical Counseling.

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the wisdom and care that David Powlison shows in his writing about counseling is brought to bear in this mini-book. In 30 short pages he highlights the great evil of sexual assault, the indicatives of the gospel and identity in Christ, and a path for healing that is realistic rather than cloying. I can see this being used as a helpful aid for victims.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook version because that’s all I could find for free. Discusses the definition of sexual assault, reminds reader of legal/medical steps, discusses responses to sexual assault, encourages readers in response to sexual assault in looking to Christ, and lists practical steps forward for change. Includes Scripture references after most points. Definitely a condensed, short work that can’t cover a lot since it is a mini booklet, but I appreciated the points about facing what happened to you, facing your reactions to what happened, facing Christ (not facing all those things on your own, but with Christ), and finding your identity in Christ. Psalm 46:1, Psalm 55:4, Isaiah 43:2, Romans 8, Romans 12, and Jesus What a Friend for Sinners are just a few Scripture references/songs that the author suggests that I’ve personally found comfort in during trials. Practical steps for change are emphasized, especially turning to Christ, forgiveness, remembering God’s mercy towards you, talking with trusted people, giving it time, and serving others.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise the "God of all comfort"! This book provides easily accessible, biblical helps for walking with sisters through deep, dark pain.

[Kaitlyn Pindak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever disliked anything of Powlison’s.

Excellent- compassionate and practical.

[Kristopher Schaal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid and concise. A great little book.