The Vashti Initiative

Who we are

Our Purpose

The Vashti Initiative is a registered 501c3 non-profit that is lead mostly by fellow survivors of spiritual or religious abuse. We have experienced the unique barriers set in place when an individual leaves an adverse spiritual environment. This is often compounded by isolation, trauma, and a lack of basic life skills or social tools.

These obstacles can feel overwhelming, leaving survivors to struggle immensely with life away from their former community. Our goal is to help victims leave abusive environments as well as to lend support as they adjust and transition to life on the outside.

In addition, we hope to raise awareness about the truly devastating effects of religious and spiritual trauma. And, to provide a community for other fellow survivors searching for a new home. Together we can heal and united we can fight back against abuse that is wielded in the name of God.

who we are NOT

Anti-Religious

The Vashti Initiative was not founded to attack religion or spirituality. We believe firmly in the individual's right to pursue a spiritual path or to cultivate a relationship with a higher power as they interpret that power.

Faith Oriented

Our organization does not promote any faith or religion nor do we discourage survivors from pursuing their chosen faith or a secular path. We simply aim to ensure that spirituality is not utilized against believers through abuse disguised as truth.

An Advocacy Group

While we do advocate for victims individually and support the efforts of many advocacy groups, our focus is on the health and well being of survivors. This means our time and resources are devoted specifically to victim services, religious ad spiritual abuse education, and general support for those healing from an abusive spiritual environment.

Ashamed

Having lived our experiences we understand how deep the wounds of spiritual and religious trauma run. We gladly reach out to support any survivor who has experienced this abuse and hope to restore them on their personal journey to freedom.