This study provides one of the first indepth accounts on how childhood sexual abuse by Catholic priests impacted their victims immediately and in the years that followed. Participants in the study described sophisticated and effective manipulation by perpetrators to secure their silence, including being told that they were dirty or evil, they invited or caused the perpetrator to have sex with them, they would not be believed by others, they would be punished for what they did, they would be taken from their home, they deserved to be abused, they were “chosen” over others to receive either the abuser’s or God’s love, they would show love of God by not telling, or they would be hurt if they told. These manipulations caused children to believe that being abused was what they were good for, and for others to like them, and that it was an experience they must accept. Most of the men in this study required extensive therapy in order to effectively address these issues; the course of treatment might last many years. It is likely that many men will be socially isolated even if they are married and have families. Research findings indicate that interpersonal skills building and the establishment of peer relationships will be an important therapeutic outcome for male survivors. Data were collected from interviews of participants from an advocacy group established for victims of clergy abuse; eight of the nine men were from families of actively practicing Catholics, yet only three remained marginally involved with their faith as adults. References