Survivor Story Ethics Policy

Our Commitment to Survivors

Wrestling Lions exists to expose spiritual abuse, seek justice, and help rebuild healthy faith communities. At the center of that mission are survivors.

We believe survivor stories carry enormous power. They reveal patterns, expose systems that protect predators, and help others recognize abuse before it happens.

But stories also carry risk. They involve trauma, privacy, and trust.

Because of that, Wrestling Lions follows clear ethical guidelines when listening to and sharing survivor stories.

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Survivor Autonomy

The survivor always comes first.

Survivors control:

• whether their story is shared
• whether their name is used
• whether details are included
• whether the story remains private

If a survivor asks that their identity remain confidential, that boundary is respected.

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Anonymous Storytelling

Many survivors want their experiences to help others but do not want to be publicly identified.

When stories are shared anonymously:

• names are removed
• identifying details are removed
• locations are generalized
• timelines may be adjusted
• unique personal details are omitted

The goal is to educate people about patterns of abuse, not expose the identity of the survivor.

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Educational Purpose

Stories are shared only for responsible purposes such as:

• helping people recognize grooming and abuse patterns
• exposing systemic failures that allow abuse to occur
• supporting accountability and reform
• helping survivors feel less alone

Stories are never shared for sensationalism or personal attention.

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Trauma-Informed Storytelling

We strive to avoid retraumatization.

That means:

• avoiding graphic details
• focusing on patterns rather than trauma
• prioritizing survivor dignity and safety

The purpose of storytelling is prevention and awareness.

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Listening First

Over the past several years, Wrestling Lions has heard hundreds of survivor stories.

Many of those stories are never shared publicly.

Sometimes the most important thing a survivor needs is simply to be heard.

When survivors trust us with their stories, that trust is taken seriously.

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Requests for Removal

If a survivor believes something shared by Wrestling Lions identifies them in a way they did not intend, we invite them to contact us directly.

We are committed to addressing concerns respectfully and responsibly.

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Why This Matters

Abuse thrives in silence.

But the exposure of abuse must be handled carefully.

The purpose of sharing these stories is not revenge.
It is prevention.

Every story told responsibly helps the next person recognize what they are seeing sooner.

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Survivor Storytelling Checklist

Before Sharing a Survivor Story

Survivor Permission

□ Has the survivor agreed to the story being shared if they are identifiable?
□ Do they understand where it will be shared?
□ Have they set boundaries about what details can be included?

Identity Protection

□ Names removed
□ Locations generalized
□ Dates or timelines adjusted
□ Personal details removed
□ Family or ministry identifiers removed

Ask yourself:

Could someone reasonably identify the survivor from this story?

If yes, revise.

Purpose Check

Why is this story being shared?

□ Education about abuse patterns
□ Prevention and awareness
□ Accountability for systems
□ Survivor empowerment

Stories should never be shared for:

□ drama
□ attention
□ speculation
□ outrage alone

Trauma Awareness

□ No graphic details
□ Focus on patterns, not trauma
□ Survivor dignity preserved

Personal Involvement

If you were part of the story:

□ Am I sharing my experience responsibly?
□ Am I protecting the survivor’s identity?
□ Am I teaching patterns rather than exposing individuals?

Accountability

□ Would I address concerns if the survivor raised them?
□ Am I open to direct conversation if something was misunderstood?

Final Test

Ask one question before sharing.

Does this story help people recognize abuse while protecting the survivor?

If the answer is yes, you’re likely on the right path.