My Master's Thesis is Now Published

100% of Clergy Abuse Survivors Experience Institutional Betrayal

My master's thesis research is available on ProQuest, and the findings are both heartbreaking and urgent.

The Study: I investigated the experiences of 115 survivors of clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse, focusing on DARVO tactics (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender) and institutional betrayal. This research was supported by the Center for Institutional Courage.

Key Findings That Demand Attention

100% of survivors experienced institutional betrayal. Let that sink in. Every single participant reported being failed by the faith institutions they trusted.

Over half met criteria for probable PTSD — rates substantially higher than the general population, revealing the profound psychological toll of clergy abuse.

DARVO tactics significantly worsened outcomes, correlating with increased PTSD symptoms, higher dissociation, and decreased psychological safety.

Psychological safety emerged as crucial, potentially the key factor that could mediate between institutional responses and survivor wellbeing.

What This Means

These aren't just statistics. They represent profound human suffering that could be mitigated through proper institutional responses. As I noted in my research, "healing cannot occur in isolation. It requires both individual therapeutic support and systemic institutional change."

Moving Forward

For survivors: Your experiences are validated. Understanding DARVO tactics can help you recognize that these responses aren't your fault. Seek support from trauma-informed professionals.

For religious institutions: Implement transparent reporting, train leadership to recognize DARVO tactics, and prioritize survivor wellbeing over institutional reputation.

For mental health professionals: Develop interventions addressing DARVO's effects and prioritize restoring psychological safety in trauma treatment.

A Personal Note

This research is dedicated to the 115 courageous survivors who shared their experiences despite the painful nature of the topic. Their willingness to participate reflects remarkable strength and commitment to preventing future harm.

I'm particularly concerned about the "scapegoat dynamic" I observed — survivors carrying the shame that rightfully belongs to institutions and perpetrators. As I have noted, "Currently, religious institutions treat survivors like a sacrificial lamb, holding the shame of the institution and the perpetrator. It strikes me that this is in direct opposition to Christian teachings, which hold that Jesus Christ was the last scapegoat."

What's Next

I'm working to ensure this research reaches those who need it most:

• Submitting manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals

• Presenting at conferences

• Developing accessible resources for survivor advocacy organizations

• Creating educational materials for religious institutions

The complete thesis is now available through ProQuest, and I'll continue sharing findings here on Now that We Know. I will provide free copies to folks who have not monetized their work in the area of church abuse. Please message me for the link.

If you are a survivor, advocate, researcher, clinician, or church leader interested in this work, I welcome your contact.

Thank you for following this journey. Together, we can work toward a world where institutions respond to abuse with courage, transparency, and genuine care for those they've failed.

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Elisabeth Arnold Ingram, M.S., is a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at Oklahoma State University, specializing in trauma-informed therapy for survivors of interpersonal violence.