Cambridge Dictionary:

1. To use something for the wrong purpose in a way that is harmful or morally wrong.

2. A situation in which a person uses something in a bad or wrong way, especially for their own advantage or pleasure.

Unwanted sexual activity or behaviour communicated via touch, verbally or in written form. This includes hinting and innuendos, the sharing of pornography in any form, videos and pictures, etc.

The twisting of the Word of God to use it for the benefit of the abuser and not with the intent of biblical Christianity nor in the best interest of the client/congregant/mentee

American Psychological Association: A relationship in which one person holds a position of trust in relation to another and is required to apply his or her skill and effort in the best interests of that other. A psychologist and client have a fiduciary relationship in that the psychologist is assumed to place the welfare and best interests of the client above all else.

(healthline.com):

Transference in therapy happens when a patient attaches anger, hostility, love, adoration, or a host of other possible feelings onto their therapist or doctor.

Countertransference occurs when a therapist redirects their own feelings or desires onto their patients. This may be a reaction to the patient’s transference. It can also happen independently of any behaviors from the patient.

(Diane Langberg): susceptible to attack or injury

(goodtherapy.org) reduced capacity for a person to avoid, cope with, or recover from the impact of a hazard or other traumatic event.

goodtherapy.com

Informed consent is the process of informing a client, patient, or research subject of the risks, benefits, expected outcome of a research project, medication, medical procedure, or therapeutic approach in which they have agreed to take part.

(This applies to any professional or lay person who takes on a “helping or advising” role.)

The United Methodist Church

The Hope of Survivors!