Enough Silence, Creating Sacred Space for Survivors of Sexual Assault through Restorative Justice
In Enough Silence, Cheryl Miller draws on more than two decades of working with survivors of abuse to create the composite character of Clara. Her story represents countless real people in our faith communities living with a personal history of sexual trauma. Clara’s story illustrates how restorative justice practices—implemented with care—can transform the lives of survivors. These practices include
• holding offenders accountable,
• lending direct voice to survivors, offenders, and members of the community,
• taking into account all those with stakes in incidents of sexual abuse,
• clarifying the organization’s values, and
• establishing a safe and structured environment for survivors.
She also offers a road map for implementing victim-offender dialogue, surrogate dialogue, circles, and more.
Enough Silence issues a call to pastors, clergy, nonprofit professionals, and other leaders to dismantle patriarchal systems that perpetuate rape culture. By embracing restorative justice practices, faith communities can imitate Christ in ministering to survivors and those who love them.
Business Doing Good
Business Doing Good provides six principles businesses can implement to effectively hire women who experienced challenging pasts of incarceration, poverty, addiction, and/or engagement in the sex trade. While making a difference, businesses will benefit from the women’s resourcefulness, resilience, ability to motivate, and many other unique skills and perspectives only available to someone who has overcome.
August 2021, Rowman & Littlefield
“You know what? There’s the door. Why don’t you save us all a lot of time and just leave now and go stick a needle in your arm?” Janet said as Maria looked at her in shock.
While Maria just sat with her mouth open, Janet continued, “You know the rules here. Don’t pretend you don’t. If you don’t want to follow them, just save us all the time and go on out and use. I am not playing this game.”
Maria’s mind started racing. I don’t have anywhere to go. I really wanted to make it this time. I can’t believe she just said that to me.
As much as Maria wanted to be mad and bolt out the door, she also wanted a new life. She was tired. She was back at House of Grace for the second time. She just got out of prison for the sixth time. If she had listened to Janet the last time she was here, she would have never gone to prison that last time. No, she was going to do things differently.
“Dang Janet, that’s harsh. But you’re right. I know the rules. I really don’t want to leave. I promise I will do right.”
Each chapter begins and ends with the story of a woman overcomer. Each chapter has tools and insights to help businesses and organizations work with women. Preorder your copy now so you can hear more of Maria’s story and the tools that made her a success!
Closing the Gap
This small booklet explores the processes involved in transformations.
December 2019, Quantum Circles Press
“My heart mourns, and my eyes are ever filled with tears images of broken and lost children flash through my remembrance and
bring deep groans of sorrow to my lips. Within my ears are the cries of the dying. I hear your daughter whisper, “Mami, mami, mi estoy muriendo.” (Mommy, mommy, I’m dying.)
And I am undone! We are a nation of greed. We are a people of violence and hate. We are a wicked people who leave fragile, beautiful daughters to die in the deserts. And
innocent baby sons to suffocate in tombs of deceit and greed. Hear the cries of your daughters and sons. Hear the weeping of mothers and fathers.”
Continuum of Transformation
This small booklet explores the processes involved in transformations.
August 2018, Quantum Circles Press
“‘I pray u get hit by a truck and dragd for miles. Next time u need a cake on ur birthday call me, but I cant promise it won’t be rat poison!’
This was a post on my Facebook page by my friend Bianca. I met her when she moved into Perpetual Help Home, my place of employment. Bianca’s journey took her from
being a ninth-grade dropout to a crack house to sobriety, then back to a crack house. Unfortunately, this cycle is too common for women who attempt to leave addiction
and poverty.”
The Language of Shalom
7 Keys to Practical Reconciliation
Have you ever wished you could be a peacemaker but weren't really sure how to go about it? Sometimes when we try to resolve disputes, things blow up instead of getting better. Cheryl Miller, a trained mediator with over 1000 hours of experience in victim-offender mediation, has put together a guide for anyone who would like to learn basic principles to address conflict or problems in communities, families, or work. The Language of Shalom: 7 Keys to Practical Reconciliation is a practical guide to restorative justice, Christian community development, and mediation. Ms. Miller, Executive Director of a housing program for eighteen years, has used these techniques for the last ten years with the women who reside at the home. Now anyone can experience the transforming power of these keys to practical reconciliation.
October 2012, Quantum Circles Press
