The Power of Prudence

Victims of abuse and/or human trafficking experience a diminished capacity for healthy decisions due to the limitations imposed on them by their abusers. The simplest of life choices can be overwhelming. Thus, decisions are often made in a state of heightened emotionalism, or inordinate detachment. As such, harmful outcomes exacerbate psychological stress, hinder healing, and delay sustainable transformation.

Abuse Survivor, Wendy Redroad, illustrates how a basic knowledge of the Four Cardinal Virtues: prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude aid in the development of a solid and supportive community path towards healing and healthy relationship templates.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify characteristics of prudent decision making; “right reason with regard to right action.”

  • Examine helpful strategies to seek justice (the highest order of reason.)

  • Describe why mercy and justice are inseparable and foster healthy survivor empowerment.

  • Evaluate how the practice of temperance creates safe and reasonable boundaries for individuals and support group settings.

  • Describe the role of fortitude when setbacks are experiences.

Target Attendees

  • Pastoral care - staff

  • Counselors

  • Social workers in outreach settings

  • Outreach Directors

  • Outreach volunteer guides