Our Programs
Trauma Healing
Our prayer is that sexual violence in all its forms is stopped, and that women will see themselves through the eyes of Christ
Our Programs
Our prayer is that sexual violence in all its forms is stopped, and that women will see themselves through the eyes of Christ
In places of war and instability, rape and sexual violence is devastatingly common. In South Sudan, an estimated 70% of girls over the age of 12 have been victims of sexual violence and forced and child marriage is seen as acceptable. This creates deep physical, spiritual, emotional and social wounds for the survivors. And once the violence has occurred, other challenges arise such as fear, stigma, resistance from families, and lack of legal support.
Gender abuse, violence, and disrespect hinder the progress of communities and act in opposition to the partnership envisioned by God. Working with the local church, Tearfund is working to address serious issues of sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms.
Working with the local church, Tearfund is committed to stopping sexual violence and
addressing the multifaceted wounds these women face.
Tearfund uses a Biblically-based approach to help survivors heal from the deep wounds of sexual abuse and see themselves as people of immense value, loved and cherished by God. This faith-based approach is combined with practical support and counselling to help survivors recover and live fruitful and shame free lives.
Church and community leaders undergo training on their roles in the trauma healing process, violence reporting, and other topics. Female leaders are trained to become trauma-healing facilitators and share what they have learned with others. They learn about the potential after-effects of trauma, psychological support, healing from gender-based violence, and Biblical responses to healing, forgiveness, and protection.
Tearfund works to inform and change public mindsets on sexual and gender-based violence and the trauma it causes. This is achieved through radio programs and talk shows that are led by community facilitators, public ads that inform the general public of the repercussions of and trauma caused by sexual violence, and public education through forums and meetings held in the community, where members ask community facilitators questions.
When churches are unleashed, there’s no limit to what they can do.
At 17, Rebecca was shocked to learn she had been engaged to a man twice her age. Refusing to marry, she fled to a church for safety. With support from Bishop Joseph and Tearfund’s Trauma Healing Program, Rebecca continued her education and strengthened her faith.
Though her family tried to force the marriage again, Rebecca remains hopeful, trusting God and her church community for a future she can choose.
Makita, a mother of seven, worked tirelessly to provide for her family while her husband refused to contribute. He neglected his responsibilities and used up the family’s resources. But when Makita pleaded for help, she was met with violence.
However, hope emerged through her local church, where Tearfund offered Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) training. Makita learned new ways to handle conflict and gained support from her community. She now has hope.
In Aweil, trauma healing programs led by churches are helping victims like Cathy, whose husband’s servants attempted to kill her by burning down her home.
Trauma healer Mary Akuch intervened, offering emotional support and refuge. Despite the immense loss and injuries, Cathy and her husband have found peace through forgiveness. Mary and her group are determined to encourage open dialogue and healing within the community.
The life of Bol, a 21-year-old student from Warapac village, changed when his parents planned to marry him off despite his desire to complete his education. Caught between family pressure and his dreams, Bol felt distraught and powerless.
After hearing about trauma healing groups, he sought help from a counsellor at his local church. Through several counselling sessions with his family, Bol was able to negotiate a compromise— his parents agreed to let him finish school before marriage.
Through Tearfund, your gift will equip local churches, and empower individuals, so that families can finally break the cycle of physical and spiritual poverty and see a future of opportunity and lasting hope.
The solution to poverty is spiritual as much as it is physical. Instead of offering handouts, you will be partnering with local churches to permanently lift families out of poverty. Will you join us?
Tearfund Canada
340 Ferrier Street
Suite 202
Markham, ON
L3R 2Z5
t: 1-800-567-8190
e: connect@tearfund.ca
Charity Number: 108222191 RR 0001
Takes place on Zoom, on the third Thursday of each month at 8:00 pm (EST)