Finding Community and Hope After Sexual Abuse
Created for Community
“Healing was never meant to happen in isolation.”
Every sexual abuse survivor feels the pangs of deep loneliness at some point in life. Loneliness can strike suddenly, like a crashing wave that knocks the wind out of us. And at other times, it’s a quiet, dull ache that lingers in the background of our days.
Before healing takes place, there may be a persistent thought that no one truly understands our pain. Sometimes, it’s more a fear—that if people could really see our pain, they would find it so ugly they’d run in the other direction. These feelings are very real and extremely raw. But feelings are not facts. Feelings do not have permission to rule our lives unless we allow them to.
When Others Don’t Understand
Be prepared—sometimes loneliness shows up when a well‑meaning friend asks if you are sure you want to rehash the past, gently suggesting that what’s behind you is best left there. Although statements like these can hurt deeply, they do not mean we should discard friendships simply because others don’t understand.
However, this is the time to recognize an important boundary: people who haven’t walked in our shoes—or whose own faces have not been marred with sweat and tears from their personal healing journey—don’t have permission to speak into this sacred area of our story. Access to this space is no longer available.
The Danger of Isolation
One of Satan’s most effective tactics is isolation. He seeks to convince us that we’re alone in our pain, keeping us from reaching out for the support we desperately need. Because of a few well‑meaning friends who don’t understand, he tempts us to emotionally withdraw from people who could actually surround us with Biblical truth.
This pattern is even evident in the animal kingdom: a predator isolates its prey before the attack. Isolation makes us extremely vulnerable—but we were never meant to heal alone.
God’s Design for Community
Where Satan wants to isolate us, Jesus invites us into community. He desires that we find support among our sisters and brothers in the faith. The Trees of Hope family understands your pain. Within this community are people who have done the hard, courageous work of healing.
This is the heart of our Shelter healing groups, available in person or virtually. These groups are not designed to rush healing or force disclosure, but to provide a safe, Christ-centered environment where survivors can begin to untangle the impact of abuse, confront the lies that often take root in isolation, and rediscover truth about God, themselves, and their worth. Healing unfolds alongside women who understand the weight of the journey and are committed to walking it together with honesty, compassion, and grace. To learn more about upcoming Shelter Healing Groups and when new groups are forming, you can find additional information here.
Jesus Meets Us in Our Loneliness
Our Savior was no stranger to loneliness and grief. He was well acquainted with both during His time on earth (Isa. 53:3). Because of this, He’s able to truly empathize with our pain more deeply than anyone who has ever walked this earth (Heb. 4:15). He lovingly reminds us that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deut. 31:8). But really–It’s one thing to know what Jesus says; it’s another to sincerely believe He means it. In our loneliness, He invites us to seek Him. And when we do, He can be found. Jesus is waiting with open arms, ready to comfort us (Matt. 7:7–8).
An Invitation Into Community
As part of this healing journey, we are excited to share that Trees of Hope is launching a new community space, The Watering, which is held on the last Saturday of each month at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale in the Community Room from 9:30am to 11am.
The Watering is a place where sexual abuse survivors can gather for deep connection, meaningful community, and spiritual refreshing—so that none of us has to remain isolated. Healing flourishes when we are nurtured together, and The Watering is designed to be a place where hope, restoration, and belonging can take root.
Healing Beyond Group Settings
While community plays a powerful role in healing, we recognize that not every woman is in a season where group-based healing is possible or wise. Timing, safety, capacity, and personal circumstances all matter, and God meets us faithfully in each of them.
For women who need a more private or flexible path, Trees of Hope offers additional healing resources that can be engaged individually.
Shelter Online provides the same trusted Shelter curriculum in an online format, allowing women to move through the healing journey at their own pace and in their own space.
The Reclaim Devotional is a gentle, Scripture-based resource created for women who are beginning their healing journey or who need daily truth, reflection, and encouragement woven into their time with the Lord.
These options may not offer the same communal experience as in-person groups or The Watering, but they still create meaningful space for God to work, restore, and heal.
Prayer: Dear Lord, at times I feel disconnected and alone. I want to be fully known and accepted but I’m afraid of rejection. You are my refuge and strong tower, please heal my loneliness with Your steadfast love. Let me find contentment in the fact that You will never leave me or forsake me. Please give me a healthy, strong community. In Jesus name, Amen.
