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

Date rape is a form of sexual assault committed by someone the victim knows, such as a romantic partner, friend, or acquaintance. It typically occurs in the context of a date or social setting and may involve manipulation, coercion, or the use of substances (such as alcohol or drugs) to impair the victim’s ability to consent.

It is important to understand: rape is never the victim’s fault, regardless of the relationship to the perpetrator or the circumstances surrounding the assault.

If you or someone you know has been date raped, consider the following steps:

1. Get to a safe place.

Remove yourself from the perpetrator and any potentially dangerous situation as soon as you are able.

2. Seek medical attention immediately.

Even if you are unsure about reporting the assault, it's crucial to be examined for injuries, STIs, pregnancy, or the presence of drugs. Ask for a sexual assault forensic exam (rape kit), ideally within 72 hours.

3. Preserve evidence.

Avoid showering, bathing, brushing your teeth, or changing clothes if possible. If you’ve already done these things, you can still report the assault, but preserving evidence increases the chances of legal action.

4. Consider reporting the assault.

You can contact local law enforcement, a sexual assault response team, or a victim advocate. Whether or not to report is your choice, and support is available either way.

5. Reach out for emotional support.

Contact a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or a rape crisis center. You are not alone. Talking to a trained advocate can help you understand your options and begin the healing process.

6. Know your rights.

You have the right to receive care, support, and to be treated with dignity. The MSR Institute and other survivor-centered organizations are here to support you without judgment.

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.
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

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.