ARMED

A thoughtful approach using true Christian principles and trauma informed insights that acknowledges the complexity of abuse in our faith communities.

Abuse can hide in plain sight-even within our most trusted relationships and spiritual communities.
ARMED: Abuse Recovery Ministry Education and Discussions is a transformative guide designed to illuminate the many forms of abuse, expose how religion can be misused to control or silence, and show how faith can become a powerful source of healing instead.
Drawing from real stories (with identities protected), research and trauma-informed insights, ministry and advocacy work with both perpetrators and survivors, Deirdra Eden, M.A., equips readers with the tools to recognize17 destructive types of abuse, support survivors, and rebuild a strong relationship with God after experiencing abuse.

"Deirdra Eden beautifully brings true Christian values into focus when discussing the difficult problems that many of us might instinctively wish to "sweep under the rug." The word "abuse" is so emotionally loaded that those experiencing it are often reluctant to admit that it is happening to them and prefer to believe it is something "out there," beyond their homes and happening to other people. Yet, until we can call a problem by its name, we cannot take action to solve it. ARMED clearly identifies and describes fourteen forms of abuse and empowers the thoughtful reader to recognize abuse and call it by its name. This is an important book, and I especially urge religious leaders to take note of its thoughtful approach of using true Christian principles to promote loving and healthy relationships and remove abuse from our homes and our lives."
-Jeff Teichert, attorney, former Utah Assistant Attorney General, life coach, and author

"As a clinical mental health therapist, I am deeply impressed by the breadth, depth, and sensitivity of ARMED: Abuse Recovery Ministry Education and Discussions by Deirdra Eden, M.A. This comprehensive resource serves as both an educational tool and a healing guide for individuals and communities impacted by abuse. Eden skillfully bridges the gap between clinical insight, lived experience, and spiritual understanding-offering a trauma-informed, interfaith framework that acknowledges the complexity of abuse in its many forms.
The structure of the book allows readers to navigate topics such as emotional, financial, spiritual, and post-separation abuse with clarity and compassion. The author does not shy away from difficult conversations, yet she handles them with grace and a deep commitment to empowering survivors.
What makes this work especially valuable in therapeutic and pastoral settings is its multidimensional approach. Deirdra Eden encourages not only survivor healing, but also accountability for perpetrators and education for faith communities-emphasizing that abuse is not just a private matter but a public health and moral concern.
I wholeheartedly recommend ARMED to therapists, clergy, social workers, survivors, and advocates alike. It is an essential addition to the toolkit of anyone working to dismantle cycles of abuse and foster trauma-informed healing within both individuals and institutions."
Amber Twigg, MC, LAC, NCC

About the Author
Deirdra Eden, M.A., holds a bachelor's degree in social and behavioral science and a master's degree in pastoral counseling with a focus on community chaplaincy. She is a member of the American Association for Christian Counselors (AACC).
She is a consultant for universities and private institutions on research involving interpersonal violence, cyber abuse, and judicial human trafficking, and is a frequent public speaker for churches and universities on abuse prevention and education.
Deirdra currently serves as a chaplain in women's crisis centers and leads support groups for women recovering from trauma and abuse.