In this episode, I’m talking with former Jehovah's Witness member, Debra McDaniel (a member of the LGBTQ+ community) who alleges that she was raped and abused by her Jehovah's Witness Presiding Overseer while the Watch Tower Organization turned a blind eye. Debra reveals her shocking truth about the child sexual abuse she endured from the age of 7-18 years from her congregation's highest leader, while the Watch Tower Organization, did nothing to protect or help her and other victims of vicious, widespread, rampant, child sexual and physical abuse. McDaniel says, she and other victims begged for justice but were shunned instead.
Scripture shielded the accused, while the victims beg for justice. Survivors are shunned by family and ––Debra McDaniel
Debra says that Jehovah’s Witnesses ACTIVELY covers up child sexual abuse knowing they are protected by statues of limitations and religious privileges. They also successfully misuse religious Constitutional protections and penitent-priest evidence protections to deny victims of church sexual abuse, justice. "It emboldens them and their attorneys to argue against justice for victims, young and old,” says McDaniel.
Debra’s story of abuse at the hands of Jehovah’s Witnesses was portrayed in the documentary, by Trey Bundy, of Reveal News Organization, entitled the “Witnesses “airing on Oxygen network. In her book, Out with Consequences Debra highlights the turmoil of dealing with abuse while also being a part of the LGBTGQ+ community.
Listeners Please Note:
Shari Karney, the host of Roar with Shari. . . All Things Justice for Women and Survivors is a survivor and practicing attorney in California, representing victims of child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. Even though Shari Karney is a licensed attorney in the State of California and practicing in the areas of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment, this podcast is intended for informational purposes only, there is no expectation of confidentiality and is not intended nor should it be construed as legal advice. For legal advice you should seek competent legal counsel. If you’re interested in speaking to Karney’s law practice they can be reached at www.karneyadvocates.com.
Please also note that Karney Law is owned by Shari Karney. Karney is the founder of Roar as One. Roar as One is a nonprofit, Karney Law is a law firm and they are otherwise unaffiliated.