Trainings & Courses
At the Millicent Starnes Recovery Institute (MSR Institute), our programs and courses are designed to educate, equip, and empower individuals and professionals who serve survivors of sexual violence. Each training integrates trauma-informed principles, evidence-based research, and compassion-driven advocacy to help participants respond with confidence, empathy, and ethical excellence.
Our curriculum serves a diverse audience — from advocates, healthcare providers, clergy, and educators to community leaders and concerned citizens — ensuring everyone has the tools to make a meaningful impact.
We offer:
Professional Certification Courses: NACP-accredited advocacy and trauma-informed training for professionals seeking continuing education or certification in sexual violence response and prevention.
Community & Faith-Based Trainings: Programs like Sexual Violence 101: Responding to Sexual Violence in the Church that help faith leaders and congregations recognize, prevent, and respond to sexual abuse within their communities.
Survivor Coaching & Support Education: Courses that guide survivors and supporters through healing, boundaries, and empowerment in safe, faith-respectful environments.
Specialized Topics: Training modules addressing child sexual abuse, ritualistic or organized sexual violence, and the impact of trauma on identity, faith, and recovery.
All programs are available online or in-person and are facilitated by nationally accredited advocates certified through the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP).
Together, we’re building a more informed, compassionate, and proactive society — one equipped to end sexual violence and restore lives.
Sexual Violence 101: Responding to Sexual Violence in the Church
Training Description
Sexual Violence 101: Responding to Sexual Violence in the Church is a one-hour foundational training designed to equip church leaders, ministry staff, and lay members with the knowledge and tools needed to recognize, respond to, and prevent sexual violence within faith communities.
This training explores how sexual abuse and assault occur in ministry settings, why the church can be a vulnerable environment for abuse, and how leaders can create safe spaces that protect children, youth, and adults from harm. Participants will learn to identify red flags, respond appropriately to disclosures, and understand their ethical and legal responsibilities when abuse is suspected or reported.
Led by Millicent Starnes, a nationally accredited advocate through the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP), this session integrates trauma-informed best practices with faith-based principles of justice, compassion, and restoration.
Topics Covered:
Understanding sexual violence: definitions, myths, and facts
Recognizing warning signs and patterns of predatory behavior
Understanding why the church can be a target for abuse
How to respond to disclosures of abuse with sensitivity and care
Maintaining boundaries and accountability in ministry settings
Supporting survivors with faith and integrity
Balancing forgiveness, justice, and healing
Protecting children and vulnerable adults in your congregation
Format:
Available in-person in Seattle or online for churches nationwide.
Who Should Attend:
Pastors, clergy, ministry leaders, youth workers, lay members, volunteers, and anyone seeking to make their church a place of safety, healing, and accountability.
Outcome:
Participants will leave with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to protect their congregation, support survivors, and build a culture of transparency and trust in alignment with Christian values.