David Samarzia

Sometimes the legal process to pursue justice is more traumatic than the original sins committed against you.

When David Samarzia informed leaders of Redeemer Church their minister had molested him in boyhood, he didn’t ask for a dime, or even an apology for the problems the abuse caused in his life. He wanted one thing only— that they call off a mission trip for kids who’d be staying with the pedophile pastor. That’s all. He fully expected them to take care of their own problem. But in a bewildering turn of events that would make national headlines, church officials chose to defend a self-admitted child abuser and use the courts against David.

Both heartbreaking and profoundly edifying, Blindsided exposes an often-unjust legal system that can blindside survivors who find the courage to speak out. Yet at its core

is a father and son story of love, grit, and perseverance to change something in the social order that needed changing, even when it cost them everything.

book publication october 2025

“The legal system is supposed to guard those who are already vulnerable because of abuse. Instead it’s too often weaponized against victims to protect abusers and the entities that shield

them. And lawyers can be a big part of the problem.

Understanding this miscarriage of justice is the first step toward working together for positive change.”

more about legal abuse

“This book clearly shows the painful legal process and

how it can create a secondary victimization. I’m sure

it will be very helpful to readers, victims, their families,

lawyers, the media, clergy, and therapists.”

Dr. Mic Hunter, specialist in male sexual abuse and author

of Abused Boys: The Neglected Victims of Sexual Abuse

and Honor Betrayed: Sexual Abuse in America’s Military

“I’m grateful for David Samarzia’s humble courage to share his horrific yet cautiously triumphant story of the drama and trauma of the intersection of abuses he’s suffered, from sexual to religious to legal. I hope people read his story as another installment in the desperate cry for reform and accountability in our systems and the people who manage them."

David Hayward, speaker, blogger, author of

The Liberation of Sophia

"David Samarzia's memoir is a call to action. Everyone knows someone who has experienced sexual assault. We can all shift our response to those who are struggling from "what is wrong with you" to "what has happened to you?" We can start by believing survivors and recognizing that their journey to healing, like David's, may not be linear. We will each have opportunities throughout our lives to create spaces where survivors, particularly boys and men, can disclose abuse and to create communities where survivors can heal and thrive. I'm grateful to David for the support that he has provided survivors and for this memoir which will validate the experiences of many more."

Mary Faulkner, Executive Director,

Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA)

disclaimer: The contents of this website are based on the opinions of the author and presented with the understanding that he does not intend to render any type of medical, psychological, legal, or any other kind of professional advice.

PHOTO CREDITs: David Samarzia

David Samarzia Author

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