023 - Sandy Kirkham | Overcoming Predators and Rebuilding Your Life

In this episode, we sit down with Sandy Kirkham to discuss overcoming predators and rebuilding your life.

Bio

I have committed my life to raising awareness around clergy abuse. What does this mean? Simply put, any abuse of power by the clergy or any spirtutual leader

Little did I know this would be my journey. When I was sixteen, I had my trust betrayed in ways I never imagined. A church should be a place where an insecure sixteen-year-old girl should feel welcome, happy, and most importantly, safe. Tragically for some, the church can become a place of great harm.

I experience the deceit and lies that come with being the victim of a wolf in sheep's clothing… my church’s youth minister. After decades of keeping my deep secret, I discovered my voice and have made it my life’s work to be an advocate for others.

Through my speaking, podcast appearances and writing, I use my voice to help victims of clergy abuse.

I have spoken before the Ohio Senate, a Maryland court, and appeared on a local television show in Boston. My story, “Stolen Innocence,” was told in a documentary produced by The Hope of Survivors.

I work with survivors conducting victim support conferences. I’ve participated on panels moderated by SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests), sharing my perspective from the non-Catholic point of view.

I currently serve on the board of Council Against Child Abuse.

PODCAST INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY

I am available for podcast interviews. Visit my website at https://sandyphillipskirkham.com/ for more information.