Push Back the Dark

Adults in your church, small group, or other Christian organization are silently suffering the tragic consequences of having been sexually abused as children or youth. Why aren't they coming forward for help? Their reluctance may be related to wounds given by the faithful--religious people they trusted, who said things like "well, it wasn't rape" or "it's been thirty years--why is this such a big deal?" Such responses from people with religious authority deepen victims' need to shrink into anxiety, depression, and self-degradation.

This book offers you the tools needed to undertake caring ministry to adults suffering in the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse. Once you understand the scientific research on such topics as trauma memory, consequences of abuse, and forgiveness, you will appreciate how caring collaboration can create hope and healing. In these pages every reader will find helpful content that will take you from feeling out of your depth to knowing you are empowered to be an effective companion in God's transforming work in the lives of survivors of abuse.

"Push Back the Dark challenges us to understand childhood sexual abuse in order to empathize and walk as companions with those who have been victimized. It is an intensely personal account, supplemented by data and psychological science. It speaks directly to the church, imploring Christians to listen and help. It speaks to therapists, facilitating understanding of the particular issues faced by Christian clients."
--Mark Stanton, Psychologist; Provost, Azusa Pacific University

"Push Back the Dark is a most important and inspirational book, primarily for Christians, but applicable to people of all faiths for the truths it tells. With courage born of walking through the darkness, Dr. Altmeier uses her own history to accomplish the many objectives of this book. Her anger is palpable when describing the personal, pastoral, and institutional denial and betrayal that await most victims who disclose or otherwise exhibit symptoms. Yet, understanding and deep faith also shine through and provide a model for a faith-based restoration of self. This book belongs in the hands of all who work in pastoral and church settings. It sets a standard for what ought to happen to help those who have been most injured to overcome their shame and fear and to heal in connection to caring others."
--Christine A. Courtois, Licensed Psychologist, (retired); Author of Healing the Incest Wound: Adult Survivors in Therapy

"This book is essential reading for clergy and lay people working to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse within the church. The author provides a courageous and well-integrated blueprint of psychological research, Biblical truth, and practical recommendations to assist the global Church in this mission."
--Donald F. Walker, Tidewater Child and Family Behavioral Health; Coauthor of Spiritually Oriented Psychotherapy for Trauma


Elizabeth (Betsy) Altmaier (BA, Wheaton College; MA, PhD, Ohio State University) is a psychologist and Professor Emeritus, University of Iowa. As a researcher, therapist, and educator, Betsy was influenced by her own life difficulties, as she experienced childhood abuse. She has published extensively in psychology, with seven books and more than one hundred chapters and articles. Experiencing God's healing in her own life has motivated her work in this book--translating psychological research by way of a biblical worldview to inform practical ministry.