Amish & Mennonite Survivors

The Amish are a group of traditionalist Anabaptist Christian church fellowships who believe that a simple life characterized by discipline, dedication, and humility is God’s vision, and honoring this lifestyle is seen as a religious practice. They exist in tight-knit communities and make most of their living through farming and other pre-industrial methods. The Amish separate themselves from modern aspects of society, such as modern clothing, technology, and vehicles. Mennonites and Amish share the same roots and core beliefs, but practice them differently. While there are many differences between Mennonites and Amish, Mennonites are primarily characterized by less restrictive rules regarding engagement with outside communities and modern technologies.

Various cultural values in the Amish community, such as purity, forgiveness, repentance, and pacifism, alongside the patriarchal society led by the church, can be barriers for survivors. Most Amish individuals do not receive education further than the eighth grade, and often do not receive sex education. As a result, they may not have the language to describe or understand what happened to them.

Survivors.org Community

By creating a safe space to discuss the ways in which the Amish and Mennonite experience violence, this community aims to provide resources and empower survivors.