About the Workbook

WHY A WORKBOOK?

We have written this companion workbook as a tool to aid you in reading and processing our book, Innocence Betrayed - A Dad’s Story of Clergy Misconduct. The workbook and book are designed to work together as a systematic problem-solving resource guide.

Primarily, this workbook has been written for current and former church members and to aid the families of the affected victims of clergy misconduct. It will also help chairpersons and other members of church committees be aware of how multiple episodes of clergy misconduct may affect a family and extended family of a victim and encourage them to take action when clergy misconduct is suspected or brought to their attention.

The story exposes the multiple techniques employed by an unscrupulous clergyman during the "grooming" process of unsuspecting parishioners, including adults and children. One of our goals is to provide a backdrop to facilitate your long journey towards wholeness.

These techniques are also used by other authority figures, such as therapists, counselors, teachers, doctors, etc. to gain access to a victim. Everyone needs to know.

REASON #1:

To tell the story that needs to be told, however painful, in order to encourage parents, teachers and church leadership to be aware of the potential for clergy misconduct – even in their very own church. We know the questions and the doubts – but we also know how to read the signs – AND SOUND THE ALARM. This book – this story – IS THAT ALARM.

REASON #2:

To encourage critical thinking among parents and teachers about this issue. Families everywhere may not realize just how unprotected they are in a place that should be a safe haven. It’s happening everywhere – in any church – of any denomination.

Go through this workbook at your own pace. We suggest working through it alone, and then discuss it with a trusted person in your life. The subject matter may be hard to get through.

At the end of each section, there will be 2 exercises. The first will be a question that we suggest that you think about through the day.

Don’t answer it quickly. Ponder it. Chew on it. Swallow it. Digest it. THEN TALK ABOUT IT.

Following the question, there will be one PROACTIVE suggestion or ACTION Step that we challenge the reader to attempt to complete. Pay close attention to how you are FEELING during this exercise. WRITE down your feelings, thoughts & questions in your journal.

REVIEW by Zada Connaway

In Helen Wisocki and Curt Szajnecki’s blockbuster book, “Innocence Betrayed - A Dad's Story of Clergy Misconduct", they deftly illustrate what any family can suffer at the hands of a less than scrupulous spiritual figurehead. 

In order to assist those who are at risk, they have developed a workbook with tips and exercises for those who have been abused or suspect abuse from their clergy members.  The cover states: “Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults from Clergy Misconduct.”  And that is exactly what their aim and purpose is in this offering. 

It is written in a way that will help those in trauma due to exploitation, and would be an excellent resource to be shared with anyone struggling with the issue of misconduct whether at the hands of clergy or any other authority figure. It is hoped that the workbook will prevent abuse by teaching the signs to look out for, and make people aware that there is a grooming process the predators seem to know so well--almost like they've read the same book. The hope is to reach vulnerable people before it happens so abuse can be prevented. 

Once you have read the book, you can turn to the workbook which follows closely, and use the simple exercises at the end of each chapter to identify the ‘grooming techniques’ that are employed by less than scrupulous clergy members.  Are you or your family at risk?  This workbook will help you identify the tactics employed and spot subtle indicators.  The workbook is written in simple, easy to understand language, and offers exercises that can be accomplished easily.

REVIEW by Rainbow

Innocence Betrayed By Clergy is a salutary tale of the deceptions and deceit inherent in many religious pathways, where the total and absolute abuse of the trust placed in religious and spiritual leaders is so amply chronicled in Curt and Helen's book. It is a masterpiece of storytelling of what not only can and does happen on a daily basis, but they bring it to life in an all too real, terrifying scenario. This should be required reading!

Furthermore, Curt and Helen have now produced a healing workbook to accompany this salutary tale of abuse by clergy, which in no nonsense, therapeutic and dare I say, 'Fun' way, will go a long way in aiding and helping to heal and protect children and vulnerable adults from the heinous crimes of clergy abuse. This workbook is a must read!