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“Then too, when we look at one of the most sensitive aspects of the situation of women in the world, how can we not mention the long and degrading history, albeit often an "underground" history, of violence against women in the area of sexuality? At the threshold of the Third Millennium we cannot remain indifferent and resigned before this phenomenon. The time has come to condemn vigorously the types of sexual violence which frequently have women for their object and to pass laws which effectively defend them from such violence.” - St. Pope John Paul II, 1995
This week, a pivotal case in the #metoo movement was reversed, reigniting important discussion about sexual assault (ironically, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month). A top court in NY overturned the conviction of Hollywood Producer Harvey Weinstein, saying that some of the evidence brought forth shouldn't have been included based on current evidence protocol. The Daily podcast from the NYT did a good overview in this podcast episode, and raised questions about what happens to women in today’s culture. It reminded me of Pope John Paul’s call for us to “condemn vigorously” this type of violence against women, and to “pass laws which effectively defend” women.
1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced attempted or completed rape, and Catholic women are not immune from this reality.
The impact of sexual assault on Catholic women is exemplified in women’s complicated reactions to celebrity Shia LaBeouf’s public conversion to Catholicism.
Messaging around sexual assault happens subtly - not just when it is being talked about rape specifically, but also when we talk about sex and chasity in general. For example, how many chastity talks have failed to clarify that women who have experienced assault are still considered virgins?
Even further, some Catholic women still receive harmful messages that saints who experienced assault, like Maria Goretti, are holy because they fought off their attacker, when that is not why she was canonized. It is critical and foundational that Catholic leaders share the truth, which is that it is totally expected and ok if women react to sexual assault differently than St. Maria Goretti.
Other things Catholic Leaders need to know about sexual assault:
- 📌Assault often happens as a teenager and affects later dating experiences
- 📌Over half of sexual assault happens in an intimate relationship, and women need to know how to identify sexual coercion in a relationship
- 📌Secular advice focuses on consent, but consent is not the end of the conversation
- 📌Traumatic sexual, even medical, experiences affect women well into marriage
- 📌Some women suffer silently for years in loving marriages without good resources
- 📌USCCB guidance on assault allows the use of drugs that could include Plan B in some cases.
- 📌Pope John Paul II modeled how men can support women in these and other important conversations
- 📌In general, the way Catholics talk about sex and our bodies doesn’t always reflect women’s experiences
FemCatholic Resources Are Available in Our Virtual Course Library
Sex and relationships is an area where women (and men) desperately need healing. FemCatholic is continuing to build out our hub of virtual courses featuring Catholic experts on sex and relationships, here: femcatholic.com/courses
Other Resources for Catholics on Sexual Assault
Catholic Books
My Peace I Give You by Dawn Eden
Catholic Ministries
Awake (formerly Awake Milwaukee)
A community of abuse survivors, concerned Catholics, and allies responding to the wounds of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
A healing ministry for women based in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
Films
A documentary about the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses, including Catholic campuses like Notre Dame.
A secular documentary that sheds light on the challenges survivors of assault encounter seeking justice.
National Hotline
A number to call if you or someone you know has experienced assault.
https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline
Share Anonymously with us about Sexual Assault Resources for Catholic
FemCatholic exists to be the voice for Catholic women, and this conversation is far from over. If you have anonymous experiences or comments to share with us on this topic, please fill out the form here:
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