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Innocence Betrayed-A Dad's Story of Clergy Misconduct
About the Authors
Helen J. Wisocki was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1951 and raised in Dearborn. She attended Fordson High School, where she met Curt J. Szajnecki, both graduating in 1969. Ms. Wisocki's love of writing grew in her senior high school English class, where her instructor, Mr. James Osterberg, suggested she send her short stories into magazines. Graduating two years later from Henry Ford Community College, Ms. Wisocki moved to Los Angeles, working as a technical editor for an architectural firm. Marrying and later divorcing, she moved to Massachusetts and raised a daughter and son, who still reside with her. She owns and operates her own business in the North Shore area.
Curt J. Szajnecki was also born in Detroit and raised in Dearborn Heights. He graduated from Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, in 1973. He spent many years in teaching and many more years in sales. He married and later divorced, and he has four daughters. Reuniting at their 30th high school class reunion, a spark was ignited. Mr. Szajnecki's twisted and tragic story of clergy betrayal captivated Ms. Wisocki and long phone conversations took place, documenting events as they were happening.
The book, Innocence Betrayed: A Dad's Story of Clergy Misconduct, emerged in several different forms during a period of seven years. There were several titles and several versions of the story, and each one kept getting better with the aid of some wonderful friends who are listed on a special page in the book. The story covers twenty years. It's purpose is to bring awareness to what's becoming a too-common problem in churches of all denominations today. The story takes you down the path of grooming and lets the reader know what to look out for in the church setting when something doesn't seem quite right. The book also offers hope.
Our hope is that the book helps at least one family with some piece of helpful information. We share resources and help groups throughout the story. We are not alone. This is a resource book for anyone and everyone.
Book Synopsis - "How can a person recover from the devastation caused by a trusted pastor? The church is a safe haven, isn’t it? Jim was proud of his four daughters, and they had no reason to believe there was evil lurking in their beloved church. His trust in clergy was unconditional. The new pastor came and methodically dissected the family, ripping them apart with such calculated expertise Jim didn’t see it coming. By the time he realized what was happening, his family was almost destroyed, and he knew he had to take action to save his girls. His battle with the church administrators to right the wrongs was brutal, but Jim's faith in God was steadfast."
Endorsements - "What happened to this devout, brave family is horrific. There are many important lessons to be learned from both their needless suffering at the hands of a shrewd predator and their further betrayal at the hands of church officials." - SNAP National Director, David Clohessy www.snapnetwork.org
"Pastoral sexual abuse is a devastating event in a victim's life. But, too seldom are the secondary and periphery victims thought about or given proper treatment in order to facilitate healing. Yet their wounds are very deep and long-lasting as well. It can be incredibly difficult and painful for an unsuspecting husband and father to suddenly have to cope with the loss of his wife and family unit and to come to terms with the fact that a minister betrayed him. Yes, a minister - a man who is supposed to stand as a representative of Jesus to the congregation. This is a story of one man's journey, as a husband and father, to protect what was left of his family and his faith." - Samantha Nelson, The Hope of Survivors www.thehopeofsurvivors.com
"Curt's experience is all too familiar to AdvocateWeb. Curt focused on every aspect of the harm done to his family and more importantly, himself, so that he could aid and assist his family through the struggles of healing from this egregious form of abuse. He refused to let it destroy his family or him and he fought back. This book is a testament to the walls that must be broken down in order for healing to effectively occur. AdvocateWeb is extremely proud of Curt and his family for their commitment to bring awareness and healing." - Cindy Boling, President AdvocateWeb www.advocateweb.org
"What happens when clergy abuse policies are violated or ignored? Often the answer is heartbreak and betrayal. When Curt’s family unit is threatened and fragmented by a “holy man of God,” Curt discovers he has only one weapon—the sword of truth. With this sword he begins a 10-year quest, slashing through the thickets of institutional indifference. As he struggles to keep his four daughters safe from abuse, he constantly encounters the demon of despair. His love for his children forces him to keep fighting. His story bears witness to the devastation of abuse, but most importantly, it gives hope that truth is paramount. This father makes all our families safer by sharing his pain-filled journey." - Janet Patterson, SNAP Board Member and Advocate