Why We Speak
The ACSA Survivor Coalition brings survivor voices and informed advocacy together to advance recognition and understanding of Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse.
We believe that words matter.
Accurately naming abuse is essential to recognizing harm, supporting survivors, holding institutions accountable, and creating safer faith communities. Through education and collective advocacy, we seek to turn research and lived experience into meaningful change.
Regarding the naming of Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse in Netflix’s
The Death of a Pastor’s Wife
What is Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse (ACSA)?
Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse occurs when a clergy member or spiritual leader uses the power, trust, access, or authority inherent in a pastoral relationship to engage in sexualized behavior with an adult under their care and spiritual leadership.
Because the relationship is shaped by spiritual authority, trust, and unequal power, apparent participation does not necessarily mean meaningful consent. Grooming, dependency, coercion, entrapment and fear of spiritual or community loss can profoundly affect a person’s ability to freely choose. As in other professional caregiving roles, spiritual leaders are bound by the fiduciary duty to maintain ethical boundaries in their interactions with individuals in their spiritual care.
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Who We Are
The ACSA Survivor Coalition is a group of survivors, family members, advocates, and clinicians committed to increasing recognition and understanding of Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse and encouraging responses rooted in truth, care, and accountability.
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