Clergy and Teacher Abuse Awareness with Melanie Sakoda

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President of the Board of Directors of Coptic Survivor, an organization fighting to end clergy abuse in churches, Melanie Sakoda joins Bryce Hamilton LSCSW to discuss sexual abuse in churches and schools. They talk about the lack of discipline abusers face, common reasons why perpetrators are not held accountable, help outline the profile of typical abusers in these settings, and what we can do about it to keep children safe.

Additionally, they discuss warning signs that a child may be targeted or is being abused, best practice for helping children in these situations, and how to handle adults who give warning signs of grooming or inappropriate behavior toward youth. They tackle the age old question, “why is more not being done?” and provide resources and direct action items to make a difference.

Check out our video chat here!

Melanie Sakoda and friends began a website for survivors of abuse in the Orthodox Christian churches called Pokrov, the Protection of the Mother of God, in 1999. They had spoken up about the way a local abuse case was mishandled by church officials, leaving their lives forever changed by the backlash. Realizing how important their mutual support was, they wanted to reach out to those who did not have that. The website was active until March, 2020. Melanie affiliated with SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, in 2008. She led SNAP support meetings from 2009 until recently. Melanie continues to lead independent virtual support groups and advocate for survivors, particularly Orthodox victims, and is the President of the Board of Directors of Coptic Survivor.

Follow Melanie and learn more about her work here:
https://msakoda53.wordpress.com
https://www.prosoponhealing.com

Book recommendations: 
The Well Armored Child – Joelle Casteix
The Gift of Fear – Gavin de Becker

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