“The most difficult thing is to say it once. Then you get the strength to say it again and again and again. And then you’re free, or at least you are on the good path to freedom.”

French actor Laurent Martinez was abused by a priest when he was just eight years old. He lost  faith in God following the abuse, but later learned that forgiveness is the key to his own healing.

Martinez attended the Conference of Bishops of France to seek forgiveness in the name of his abuser. “I gave my forgiveness to the priest that raped me.” After that, “I felt really completely free of the whole burden of anger, of the desire of revenge. All the bad feelings I had just had vanished, just because I had forgiven. Little by little the trauma is disappearing. What helped more was to be able to forgive the priest.”

Forty years after the abuse Laurent Martinez created a play, called “Pardon” to tell his story and show how forgiveness and speaking about abuse helps victims to heal and rebuild their lives. “Some come to see me and say thank you so much, because, you know, this is also my story. And you are the first person I’m telling that to”.

Minding Hearts is building advocacy and peer support groups in each state.  The groups are created to raise awareness, educate, and advocate for those that might not otherwise be heard. We are here for encouragement, education, and support. We cannot give legal advice, but we can try and direct you in the right direction with your case. Links to legal services are listed with their states. Please share and let’s grow our groups. We are here to support families and develop resources that maintain family integrity. We look forward to your support. If you would rather become active by donating, then visit the donation page.