Frequently Asked Questions
Helping survivors, professionals, and communities understand trauma, healing, and justice.
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Sexual violence includes any unwanted sexual act or behavior committed without consent. This includes:
Rape and sexual assault
Child sexual abuse and incest
Human trafficking and exploitation
Sexual harassment or coercion
Ritual abuse and spiritually manipulated acts
Sexual violence is about power, control, and violation, not desire. Survivors often carry long-lasting trauma that affects their body, mind, and spirit.
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Rape is the non-consensual penetration of the body through force, manipulation, threats, or when the person is unable to consent (due to age, unconsciousness, fear, etc.). Rape can be committed by a stranger, partner, parent, friend, or authority figure.
It is always the perpetrator’s fault—never the victim’s -
Ritual abuse is repeated and systematized trauma—often sexual, physical, psychological, or spiritual—committed in a ceremonial or symbolic context. This may involve:
Occult practices, witchcraft, or religious abuse
Sexual acts as part of group or spiritual rituals
Timed abuse during spiritual dates, such as Halloween, full moons, or religious holidays
Victims being silenced through threats of demonic punishment or spiritual damnation
Survivors of ritual abuse often feel isolated, but we believe you—and we are here to help you heal.
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Revictimization occurs when a survivor is harmed again—either by:
A second or repeated assault
The legal system, police, courts, or medical professionals
Family members, churches, or therapists who blame or ignore them
Having their trauma used against them in legal, social, or custody settings
The MSR Institute works to break the cycle of revictimization through trauma-informed care and education.
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"The Red Hours" is a survivor-defined term for strategically chosen times of ritual abuse, often including:
Full moons, solstices, or astrological events
Religious days such as Good Friday or Halloween
Symbolic hours like 3:00 AM (“devil’s hour”)
Repeated ceremonies meant to spiritually or emotionally damage the victim
The MSR Institute provides trauma-informed care for survivors of this type of abuse, including spiritual support and validation.
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Healing & Hope is our online course designed for survivors of rape, child sexual abuse, and spiritual or ritual trauma. It helps survivors:
Process their pain and trauma
Break free from shame and silence
Reconnect spiritually (if desired)
Begin emotional and psychological healing
This course is faith-informed, survivor-led, and trauma-sensitive.
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This course is for anyone who has experienced:
Rape, incest, or childhood sexual abuse
Repeated or complex sexual trauma
Ritual or spiritually-based abuse
Shame, silence, or disconnection from their faith
Survivors at all stages of recovery are welcome.
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Yes. The course is grounded in Christian healing principles, but nonjudgmental and inclusive. We honor your story—whether you’re deeply spiritual or unsure where you stand with faith.
Topics include:
“Where was God when I was hurt?”
“How do I heal from spiritual betrayal?”
“How do I forgive without excusing what was done?”
You are safe here.
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Yes. The course is hosted on a secure platform. Survivors can remain anonymous and are never required to share their story unless they choose to.
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We offer two options:
Self-paced healing curriculum
Optional support cohorts with guided virtual sessions for those who want to connect with others
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No. You are never required to share your story. This course is designed to empower you without retraumatizing you.
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We recommend being in a basic place of safety before starting. While the course offers grounding and support tools, it is not a substitute for immediate crisis services.
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Yes. We offer a Teen Edition of Healing & Hope with age-appropriate language and tools for survivors aged 13–18.
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You can register at www.msrijustice.org/healingcourse or email info@msrijustice.org for more details.
Payment plans and scholarships are available. -
We provide professional training for:
Victim advocates
Mental health professionals
Faith leaders and chaplains
Educators and school counselors
Legal and medical professionals
Our flagship course is the 40-Hour Foundations of Sexual Violence Advocacy, along with specialized modules on:
Ritual abuse and complex trauma
Incarcerated survivors
Cultural sensitivity and faith-based recovery
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Yes. We offer:
Certificates of Completion
CE or CED hours (via partner organizations or state boards where applicable)
Documentation for NACP credentialing
We’re actively pursuing state-recognized CE approval. Please check with your licensing board for current acceptance.
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Our training is ideal for:
Advocates, counselors, case managers
Clergy, pastors, and youth leaders
Medical staff and crisis responders
Survivors becoming peer advocates
Any organization supporting victims of sexual violence
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Visit www.msrijustice.org/training or email us at msri@millicentstarnesrecovery.org
We offer online cohorts, flexible schedules, and group pricing. -
Yes. Many survivors wait years to speak out. You don’t have to be “ready”—you just have to be willing. You are believed here. You are safe.
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Yes. Many survivors struggle with faith after abuse. This course and our staff are here to help you rebuild trust with God, if that’s part of your healing journey.
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We currently operate online. However, our long-term vision is to build a full-service trauma recovery center offering therapy, spiritual care, case management, and peer-led support.