While rape is a small percentage of why women seek abortions, it does occur and must be dealt with and prepared for when ministering from the sidewalk at the abortion clinic.
You will find a mock counseling session with a rape victim here. Below are some key points and strategies for handling a horrible situation like rape with love and grace.
Key points
- Give information/pamphlet/phone number right away along with your name and number.
- Ask what the major obstacle is.
- Express compassion/sorrow/despair with her and show interest in her situation.
- Offer tangible help tailored to rape victims, such as Safe Alliance in Charlotte or other domestic violence agencies.
- Mention God right away: “God is a God of justice.”
- Talk about the baby’s development to humanize the baby in her mind.
- Ask if she believes in God.
- Ask if there is any conflict in her heart.
- Restate her issues to be sure she feels heard.
- Research and know rape facts – most victims keep their babies, most regret abortion.
- Be careful not to sound too clinical (rather than relational).
- Ask questions! This will show interest and helps her make wise conclusions.
- Always have your Bible in hand.
- Personalize baby’s situation with her own as victim of violent act. Help her see the injustice.
- Tone should be loving, kind and gentle. Hard truths can be stated when she perceives kindness and real interest.
- Offer an ultrasound.
- Pray at the end, and remind her of the main points that were raised.
What to be careful about
- Be sure primary tone/demeanor is loving and empathetic.
- Don’t overwhelm her with too much information on too many resources, baby facts, rape facts.
- Don’t forget to ask her name and get her phone number if possible.
- Rape victims’ testimonies are powerful. Be able to recount one or show one.
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