This thesis is a study about women in the Korean church and their historical, social and cultural relationships. More specifically, it examines the pastoral care of victims of sexual violence in the socio-cultural context of the Korean Presbyterian Church. The study starts with the question: Is there a socio-cultural background to the sexual abuse of Korean women and particularly an historical background to the abuse of women in the context of the Christian church? This question brings together in dialogue the patriarchal social structure of Korea, the psychology of women in the Korean culture and the historical background and culture of the Protestant Church there. This question also prompts us to investigate what the Bible is saying about the place of women and what image of God can women — made in his/her likeness — take with them and move forward. After an exploration of these factors this thesis makes some practical recommendations for moving on from them and bringing care and healing to victims of sexual abuse in the Korean Christian context. The method used throughout this thesis project is the approach developed by James Whitehead and Evelyn Whitehead, namely, the three stages of attending, asserting and pastorally responding.
