A Word from Bob

I’ve collated today’s post from The Annual Guide to Biblical Counseling Resources: 2021 Edition. This guide provides 259 pages that collate 1,057 biblical counseling resources. Learn more about The Annual Guide here. Purchase a copy at 50% off here.

My upcoming post, is directly related to today’s post. Drop by again later this week for: 6 Biblical Counseling Resources on Sexual Abuse: Prevention.

Sexual Abuse: Booklets 

Brooks, Nate, and Anna Mondal. Help! Our Sex Live Is Troubled by Past Abuse

Victims of sexual abuse know the pain doesn’t go away when the abuse stops. A couple’s sexual relationship within the covenant of marriage is not immune to the continuing impact of past sexual abuse of one spouse. This sensitively written mini-book offers understanding of the issues for both spouses, practical steps you can take together toward growth, and above all hope in the God who makes all things new and desires your flourishing and freedom for His glory.

Kellemen, Bob. Sexual Abuse: Beauty for Ashes 

Sexual abuse ravages the soul, causing unimaginable distress, damage, and disgrace. It is faced honestly and openly in the Bible—but can the church truly help those who have been sexually abused? Bob Kellemen says, “Yes, it can;” and using the biblical story of Amnon and Tamar (2 Samuel 13), he compassionately portrays the damage done by sexual abuse and the relevancy of God’s Word for this difficult topic. He then takes us on a journey toward healing—helping sufferers to reclaim beauty from the ashes of abuse.

Newheiser, Jim. Help! Someone I Love Has Been Abused

Abuse is a growing problem, and those who have been abused need help. This mini-book equips the reader to offer compassionate biblical counsel to a victim of abuse. As well as providing practical instruction on how to help the victim gain safety and deal with the abuser in a biblical way, it points to the victory possible in Jesus Christ, who was abused for His people and who has compassion on all hurting people.

Powlison, David. Recovering from Child Abuse: Healing and Hope for Victims

The damage you suffered may have been done in one ter­rible moment or over time. But the healing and the restora­tion will unfold at your pace. It unfolds as part of your story, and it unfolds over time. As a vulnerable child, instead of being protected, helped, and comforted, you were physically, emotionally, and/or sexually abused. Learn from David Powlison how to express your experience to God by composing your own personal lament. Pouring out your heart to God will begin the healing process and lead to steps of faith and restoration.

Powlison, David. Sexual Assault: Healing Steps for Victims

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. 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. 

Sexual Abuse: Books 

Denhollander, Rachael. What Is a Girl Worth?: My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics 

Rachael Denhollander’s voice was heard around the world when she spoke out to end the most shocking scandal in US gymnastics history. The first victim to publicly accuse Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor who abused hundreds of young athletes, Rachael now reveals her full story for the first time. How did Nassar get away with it for so long? How did Rachael and the other survivors finally stop him and bring him to justice? And how can we protect the vulnerable in our own families, churches, and communities? What Is a Girl Worth? is the inspiring true story of Rachael’s journey from an idealistic young gymnast to a strong and determined woman who found the courage to raise her voice against evil, even when she thought the world might not listen.

Dryburgh, Anne. (Un)ashamed: Christ’s Transforming Hope for Rape Victims 

(Un)ashamed: Christ’s Transforming Hope for Rape Victims provides a biblical basis for counselors who are seeking to help female rape victims. It clears up common myths surrounding rape and gives insight into how this trauma impacts all aspects of a victim’s life. Christ’s transforming hope is shown through scriptural teaching about how God defines the victim and brings life out of evil. This book will help women to know and trust the Lord while living out who they are in Christ.

Gannon, Pam, and Bev Moore. In the Aftermath: Past the Pain of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Studies show that thousands of children are sexually abused in the US every year; most by someone they know and trust. Being abused by a known, trusted older person adds to a child’s devastation of the pain and terror they experience. Adult victims of CSA have tried looking for answers within themselves or other people’s theories, but have not found the hope and help they are seeking. That is because the only true and lasting hope, joy, and peace are not found within us, but in God who created us. This book will point you directly to God’s Word where you will find His comfort and peace.

Greenberg, Jennifer. Not Forsaken: A Story of Life After Abuse: How Faith Brought One Woman from Victim to Survivor 

Jenn Greenberg was abused by her church-going father. Yet she is still a Christian. In this courageous, compelling book, she reflects on how God brought life and hope in the darkest of situations. Jenn shows how the gospel enables survivors to navigate issues of guilt, forgiveness, love, and value. And she challenges church leaders to protect the vulnerable among their congregations. Not Forsaken is not an easy read. But, perhaps today more than ever, it is a must-read. 

Holcomb, Justin, and Lindsey Holcomb. Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault

The statistics are jarring. One-in-four women and one-in-six men are or will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetime. But as sobering as the statistics are, they don’t begin to speak to the darkness and grief experienced by these victims. Because sexual assault causes physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual pain, victims need clear help, hope, and healing. In Rid of My Disgrace, a couple experienced in counseling victims of sexual assault explains how the grace of God can heal the broken and restore the disgraced. Justin and Lindsey Holcomb outline an approach for moving from destruction to redemption. While avoiding platitudes and shallow theology, Rid of My Disgrace combines biblical and theological depth with up-to-date research. This book is primarily written for those who have been assaulted (either as children or adults), but also equips family, friends, pastors, and others to care for victims in ways that are compassionate, practical, and informed.

Nicewander, Sue, and Maria Brookins. Treasure in the Ashes: Our Journey Home from the Ruins of Sexual Abuse

Treasure in the Ashes is an interactive workbook that gently leads readers on a biblical journey through the grueling questions and doubt, emotional turmoil, and relational fallout that follow sexual abuse. The authors encourage honest and thorough Christ-centered discipleship through the aftermath of sexual abuse. They address hard questions and painful issues that are feared and often denied by the Christian community.

Join the Conversation 

What additional biblical counseling resources would you recommend regarding healing and hope for the victim of sexual abuse?