Investigating Abuse in Faith Spaces

Content warning: The content may be distressing for some listeners.

This episode contains discussion of faith-based investigations that may involve the minimisation or denial of sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy. The content may be distressing for some listeners.

If you need support, please refer to the support services listed in the show notes.

Investigating Abuse in Faith Spaces

In this insightful episode, Boz Tchividjian shares vital guidance for survivors navigating the complex and often retraumatising terrain of church-related investigations. As Billy Graham’s grandson, Boz grew up deeply embedded in the faith community and has witnessed both its beauty and its brokenness. That proximity gave him a front-row seat to the power of faith and the devastation when that power is abused.

Boz reminds us:

* Often, there are no legal pathways, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options.

* Survivors must prioritise healing over the pressure to reform the church.

* Sometimes, not participating in an investigation can be the most healing choice.

* Keep your documentation, educate the public, and seek wise counsel.

* Get an advocate, do your homework, and don’t go it alone.

And for governing bodies who genuinely want to do better, Boz challenges churches to be radically transparent.

Give the victim a seat at the table, not as a token gesture, but so they can reclaim their agency and be heard on their own terms.

Give survivors access to the full investigation report. Ask them how often they would like to be updated, and involve them in the decision-making processes wherever possible.

These steps aren’t just best practice, they’re essential for restoring agency and trust.

I also share parts of my own experience in participating in an investigation based on an allegation I brought forth to an Australian governing body.

Hope this episode is helpful for those navigating abuse in faith communities.

Guest Bio

An experienced litigator who has handled hundreds of civil and criminal cases, Basyle (“Boz”) Tchividjian has dedicated his career to empowering survivors of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment to step forward and seek justice against perpetrators and the institutions legally responsible for their trauma. His current practice focuses almost exclusively on representing child and adult abuse survivors throughout the country. Prior to becoming a civil litigator, Boz served as an Assistant State Attorney in the 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida, where he created the first Sex Crimes Division at the Office of the State Attorney and served as Division Chief.

As the grandson of the late Dr. Billy Graham, Boz has a unique knowledge and understanding of the common and uncommon institutional and cultural dynamics that are prevalent within so many protestant faith communities. Boz uses this knowledge to the benefit of his clients when working to ensure that such institutions are held legally accountable for the abuses his clients have suffered.

Boz is also the Founder and former Executive Director of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment), an internationally recognized non-profit organization that equips faith-based organizations with the tools they need to correctly respond to allegations of sexual abuse and educates them on how to create safeguards to protect children and other vulnerable people within their communities. As a renowned expert on abuse, particularly within faith communities.

Read more here: https://bozlawpa.com/about/

Support Hotlines:

Link to all support hotlines in NSW, Australia: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/Pages/support-contact-list.aspx

Link to USA hotlines:

https://www.apa.org/topics/crisis-hotlines

Contact me:

https://www.jaimesimpsoncounselling.au

Instagram

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jaimesimpson.substack.com