Frequently Asked Questions

Helping survivors, professionals, and communities understand trauma, healing, and justice.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • "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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • We offer two options:

    • Self-paced healing curriculum

    • Optional support cohorts with guided virtual sessions for those who want to connect with others

  • No. You are never required to share your story. This course is designed to empower you without retraumatizing you.

  • 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.

  • Yes. We offer a Teen Edition of Healing & Hope with age-appropriate language and tools for survivors aged 13–18.

  • You can register at www.msrijustice.org/healingcourse or email info@msrijustice.org for more details.
    P
    ayment 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.