HELPING SURVIVORS HEAL FROM THE EFFECTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE.

 

37 religious women and men and priests participated in a training workshop on “Protection of Minors from Sexual Abuse (POCSO” and “Helping Survivors to Heal from the Effects of Sexual Abuse.”

Dr. Jose Parappully, Director of Sumedha Centre, Jharmari, Punjab, facilitated this five-day workshop at the National Vocation Service Centre, Pune. Participants were doing a 9-month Diploma Course on Religious and Priestly Formation and Counselling Skills.

This Training  Workshop was held from October 13-17, 2025.

Feedback from the participants showed that all found the workshop immensely useful.  24 of them gave perfect 10 out of 10 on Usefulness of the Workshop for them personally. Four gave a 9. Six gave an 8 and 3 gave a 7.

Some typical comments:

“I would like to give a 10- “Immensely Useful” because this is the first time I got detailed awareness about POCSO Act 2012, and related topics., especially Trauma of Sexual Abuse and its Effects, and Approaches to Healing.” F 28

“I learned many things I was ignorant about, such as professional boundaries, the importance of human formation.” M. 37

“I was ignorant about many things. Through this class I am enriched and enlightened.” F. 35

“It gave me skills and means to support those who have been abused.” M. 43

“The programme was very useful. I really liked it so much.” F. 33

 “Through this class I came to know many aspects of trauma, how sexual abuse can affect the person. I learned about POCSO.” M. 29

“When I came here I was deeply troubled because many of my candidates had been sexually abused. I had many doubts about how to help them. Now my doubts are cleared and I feel confident.” F. 40

“The relevant studies, videos, detailed explanation by the facilitator were very apt. It provided clarity on the topic. I feel it my privilege that such a scholar taught me this subject. I am happy to be a student of such an Enlighted person. ” M. 40

 

SUMEDHA OUTREACH: "TRAUMA & HEALING" PROGRAMME AT NVSC, PUNE

 Dr. Jose Parappully, the Director of Sumedha Centre, Jharmari,  was invited to facilitate a training workshop on “Trauma & Healing” at the National Vocation Service Centre (NVSC), Pune from October 23 to 28, 2023.

There were 36 participants, 26 religious women and 10 priests, most of whom are involved in the field of religious and priestly formation and who are currently doing a certification course of 9 months.

During the workshop Dr. Parappully explored with the participants the nature of psychological trauma, particularly that arising from sexual exploitation, its prevalent rates in India, its consequence, and presented 15 specific approaches to the healing of trauma. He also presented the Protection of Children from sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012 and a critique on it.

Participants found the workshop immensely helpful and observed that such a workshop is very necessary for them as formators. They came to know many things that they were unaware of. Eighteen of the 36 participants (including a survivor of trauma) gave a perfect 10 out of 10 on Degree of usefulness. Seven gave a 9, and another seven an 8.

Some typical comments:

·         “it was such a beautiful class on trauma and healing. I could heal myself.”  (F)

·         “Very informative on this very sensitive issue that’s increasing rapidly day by day.” (M)

·         “It was useful for me to understand the real struggles that the abused person goes through. My opinion about them changed. I also gained some useful skills and knowledge. Now I have kind of confidence to deal with people who come to m for help in this regard.” (F)

·         “It was very much informative, and has created an interest in the subject. It has helped me to become more sensitive and supportive towards the victims. It has moved my heart and mind to be much more caring and compassionate. It is love that heals.  To make the client to feel loved, accepted, cared for, listened to, brings about healing. It will be useful to be a good human being, in the ministry.” (M).

·         “I came to know what is sexual abuse and trauma.; how to help the client who comes for healing; I came to know the methods or techniques to help the client.” (M)

·         “it was very useful to know the methods to heal the person and also I was able to reflect on my own life and see if I were abused anywhere, or if it is so how to heal.” (F)

·         “This class made me aware in many ways that to be a good listener, to be compassionate and kind is very important, not to have judgmental attitude but to have an open mind to accept survivors as they are.” (Gender not indicated.)

·         “I realized the gravity of the effects of sexual abuse and therefore it evoked compassion, and need to give up my judgmental attitude.” (F).

·         “This workshop evoked in me a great desire to know more about the topic.” (F.)

SEXUALITY, CELIBACY & INTIMACY

The module last week of the Sumedha Sadhana programme was “Sexuality, Celibacy & Intimacy” facilitated by Dr. Joe Mannath SDB and Dr. Jose Parappully.

Dr. Mannath took sessions from Sunday to Wednesday. He dealt with the following topics: Stages of psychosexual development; Psychosexual maturity; Healthy integration of sexuality and celibacy; Current issues in relation to sexuality and celibacy; Meaning of celibate chastity; Sexual attraction ministry; Helps for a happy celibate life; and Formation for celibacy.

The participants found the module very helpful. They found it very informative. What they appreciated most was the simple way he was able to present these topics which helped to clarify many of their doubts and confusions. The meaningful liturgies which integrated the themes of the day very meaningfully was also much appreciated.

Dr. Parappully followed up on Thursday and Friday by giving very detailed presentations on two important issues: celibate friendship and sexual abuse. He showed how friendships can contribute significantly to healthy psychosexual and celibate integration and explained the dynamics involved.

Dr. Parappully presented relevant research, as well as anecdotal evidence, to show that there is a high prevalence rate of sexual abuse in India, both of children and of adults. He described the effects of sexual abuse and outlined ways and means to heal from its effects as well as to help others to heal.