In this episode of 'One in Ten,' host Teresa Huizar speaks with Dr. Ernie Jouriles, professor and director of clinical training at Southern Methodist University, to explore the profound influence of spirituality and divine struggles on children and teens who have experienced sexual abuse. They discuss why some young individuals perceive their abuse as divine punishment, the role of self-blame, and the minimal attention the intersection of spirituality and mental health has received in child maltreatment literature. Dr. Jouriles shares findings from his studies, revealing significant predictors of trauma symptoms over time and highlighting the need for a holistic approach to care that includes discussing faith-related concerns. Practical implications for child advocacy professionals and the potential role of faith leaders in supporting affected children are also explored.

Time Stamps

Time Topic

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:19 Guest Introduction: Dr. Ernie Jouriles

01:24 Exploring the Relationship Between Spirituality and Child Sexual Abuse

03:49 Study Findings on Spiritual Struggles and Mental Health

06:06 Understanding Spiritual Support and Struggles

10:13 Implications of Self-Blame and Divine Struggles

15:46 Future Research Directions and Practical Applications

29:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

39:31 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

Resources:

Spirituality, self-blame, and trauma symptoms among adolescents waiting for treatment after disclosing sexual abuse

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This episode features a live conference panel discussion led by NCA CEO, Teresa Huizar, at the 2025 NCA Leadership Conference. Highlighting their theme of 'Everyday Champions,' the discussion features three inspiring survivor advocates: Jenna Quinn, Jimmy Widdifield, and Dr. Danielle Moore. Each panelist shares their experiences, challenges, and motivations for becoming public voices for change. They delve into critical topics such as survivor involvement, the importance of trauma-informed approaches, and the ethics of utilizing survivor stories. Practical advice and personal anecdotes emphasize the importance of support, authenticity, and the avoidance of exploitation or tokenism. The segment concludes with each panelist offering insights into best practices for inviting and amplifying survivor voices in a respectful and ethical manner.

Time Topic

00:00 Introduction

01:25 Panel Introduction and Survivorship

02:27 Jenna Quinn's Story and Advocacy

03:36 Jimmy Widdifield's Experience and Work

04:32 Dr. Danielle Moore's Mission and Advocacy

05:37 The Importance of Survivor Inclusion

07:30 Deciding to Go Public: Personal Stories

15:45 Handling Media and Public Speaking

30:29 Ethics of Sharing Trauma Narratives

33:17 Ethical Considerations in Survivor Storytelling

36:03 Avoiding Tokenism and Ensuring Authentic Input

40:53 Creating a Supportive Environment for Survivors

45:14 Positive Experiences and Lessons Learned

50:53 Cautionary Tales and Advice

54:37 Key Takeaways for Working with Survivors

57:48 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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In this episode of “One in Ten,” host Teresa Huizar speaks with Dr. Lisa Nichols, an assistant professor at the University of Northern Colorado, to discuss the challenges faced by child abuse detectives. The episode delves into the complexities and emotional toll of child sexual abuse investigations, highlighting findings from Dr. Nichols' study. Key themes include understaffing, high turnover, funding issues, the emotional impact on detectives, and communication challenges with Child Protective Services (CPS). Dr. Nichols emphasizes the need for better support and resources, including culturally competent mental health services, to improve the wellbeing and effectiveness of these law enforcement professionals.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction: Detectives in Crisis

02:10 Interview with Dr. Lisa Nichols

04:00 Study Design and Methodology

06:09 Key Findings: Funding and Emotional Toll

15:13 Challenges of High Turnover

31:42 Communication Issues with CPS

39:08 Implications for Policy and Practice

42:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:

“It’s Like We Never See the Light at the End of the
Tunnel”: Law Enforcement Perceptions on Stakeholder
Collaboration and Resources at CACs in a Southern
State; Journal of Child Sexual Abuse; February 2025

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Did you like this episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.