Is clergy ever considered a source of second injury for victims?

The assertion that clergy is never considered a source of second injury for victims is not accurate. In certain situations, clergy can indeed be seen as potential sources of secondary injury for victims. This can occur particularly when a victim's experience of seeking help or counsel from clergy results in further trauma, misunderstanding, or a lack of validation of their experiences.

The role of clergy can vary significantly; while many clergy members approach their role with compassion and support, there can also be cases where their responses are either inadvertently harmful or dismissive, leading to feelings of distrust or shame for the victim. These nuances mean that the interaction between victims and clergy can lead to varied outcomes.

It's also important to recognize that the effect of clergy on victims can depend heavily on the context, the specific circumstances surrounding the victim's experience, and the individual beliefs and practices of the clergy involved. Thus, rather than categorically ruling out clergy as a potential source of secondary injury, it is more accurate to acknowledge that their impact can differ significantly based on a range of factors.