55 - Sins of the Church

Jessee Baldwin exposes the sins hidden within religious institutions, recounting her sexual abuse as a 12-year-old at North Valley Christian School. For years, Jessee was ignored as those in power, including the pastor, protected her abuser and silenced the truth. Rather than reporting the crimes, they enabled the abuse by providing recommendations for the teacher’s employment at other schools and further supporting their role as a missionary, where the sexual exploitation of children continued globally for decades. Mandated reporters failed Jessee and countless others, highlighting a systemic issue. Now a survivor and advocate, Jessee examines the intersection of faith, abuse, and manipulation, sharing her personal journey, the psychological toll of betrayal, and the pursuit of justice through civil court. This discussion highlights the critical role of forensic psychologists in civil lawsuits, from assessing psychological damages to providing expert testimony that supports survivors in demanding accountability and systemic change.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Childhood Sexual Abuse Cases03:17 Courage to Come Forward09:05 The Healing Journey15:14 Grooming and Authority Figures20:28 Teaching Children About Boundaries26:13 The Importance of Open Communication32:10 Long-Term Effects of Abuse37:18 The Power of Sharing Stories37:48 The Healing Journey Begins41:06 Reflections on Childhood and Self-Discovery46:18 The Role of Adults in Protecting Children52:41 Confronting Institutional Failures57:31 A Call for Accountability and Change01:01:10 Resources for Healing and Support01:07:51 Empowering the Next Generation01:12:09 Facing Pain for HealingBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.