Child abuse Quote by Valerie Sinason
““When there is abuse by itself it's scary enough. When there is abuse within a religious setting it is so terrifying to people... nobody can bear it when it's linked to religion, but when it's linked to religion that is not mainstream it seems to frighten people more. As if yes, abuse exists, Satanism exists, but you can't have Satanist abuse.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Psychology of Religious Abuse, 2015
Abuse within non‑mainstream religious groups feels especially terrifying because it clashes with expectations of safety and morality, intensifying fear and denial.
In simple terms: Religious abuse feels scarier than other abuse.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address abuse regardless of religious context.
Themes
abuse
religion
fear
denial
social norms
Mood
anxious
concerned
determined
Type
cautionary
insightful
advocacy
When to use this quote
- counseling victims
- training clergy
- policy development
- public awareness campaigns
- support groups
Key Concepts
psychology
stigma
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does religious affiliation affect reporting of abuse?
- What can communities do to protect members from hidden abuse?
A Different Perspective
Victims may be reluctant to report due to fear of stigma or disbelief.
![“I find it disturbing that one anthropologist's readings of transcripts are being listened to more seriously than 40 senior health service clinicians. [Referring to Jean La Fontaine's 1994 research paper for the DOH]” quote by Valerie Sinason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ed4/valerie-sinason-38025_child-abuse-allegati_i-find-it-disturbing-that-one-anthropolo_1637950.jpg)
