Invitations to the reader -- PART ONE: RECOGNIZING THE PATTERNS. Myths and facts about sexual assault and child sexual abuse -- The statistics about sexual violence -- If she says no, then it's rape -- Recognizing the symptoms and consequences of sexual assault and abuse -- Elder abuse: the view from the chancel. -- PART TWO: UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES. With no immediate cause -- Violence against women: the theological dimension -- "Don't tell mother" -- A commentary on religious issues in family violence -- A theological perspective on sexual assault -- Theological perspectives on sexual violence. -- PART THREE: RESPONDING WITH COMPASSION. Standing by victims of sexual violence: pastoral issues -- Support counseling with victims of sexual assault -- Sharing the crises of rape: counseling the mates and families of victims -- The male minister and the female victim -- Sexual harassment: victim responses -- Beyond belief: the reluctant discovery of incest -- Confidentiality and mandatory reporting: a clergy dilemma? -- Reporting the mistreatment of minors and vulnerable adults -- Responding to clients who have been sexually exploited by counselors, therapists, and clergy -- Client bill of rights -- What can the church do? -- Resources for ritual and recuperation. -- Appendix: Organizations and agencies -- Notes -- Selected bibliography by subject -- About the contributors.