In recent years, a shadow has been cast over some of the most sacred spaces in our communities. Investigative journalist has been at the forefront of a harrowing but necessary journey, documented in reports such as those featured on Religion Unplugged , uncovering a crisis of pastoral sex crimes and the systemic barriers facing victims today. The Complex Path to Reporting
: For male victims, the path is often even steeper. Abraham’s reporting highlights how police officers sometimes mock men for reporting sexual assault, adding a layer of shame to an already devastating trauma. Signs of Progress Vickys Investigation
: Outlets like Religion Unplugged provide the platform for investigators like Vicky to bring these stories to light. In recent years, a shadow has been cast
: Victims are often told that speaking out will "harm the church" or "disrupt the spiritual community," placing the burden of the institution's reputation on the survivor’s shoulders. : There is a critical need for better
: There is a critical need for better resources at the police level, such as officers trained in South African Sign Language, to ensure every victim has a voice.
One of the most sobering findings from Vicky’s ongoing work is the "gauntlet" victims must run to achieve justice. Rather than finding sanctuary, many who come forward to church authorities are met with: