Elder Richard G. Scott of the Council of the Twelve directed his remarks Saturday afternoon to those "who have been scarred by the ugly sin of abuse."

He said that unless healed by the Lord, mental, physical or sexual abuse can cause serious, enduring consequences. Some of those consequences are: fear, depression, guilt, self-hatred, destruction of self-esteem and alienation from normal human relationships."When aggravated by continued abuse, powerful emotions of rebellion, anger and hatred are generated. These feelings often are focused against oneself, others, life, and even Heavenly Father. Frustrated efforts to fight back can degenerate into drug abuse, immorality, abandonment of home, and tragically in extreme cases, suicide. Unless corrected, these feelings lead to despondent lives, discordant marriages, and even the transition from victim to abuser, and a deepening lack of trust in others, which becomes a barrier to healing.

"I solemnly testify that when another's violence, perversion, incest cause you deep harm against your will, you are not responsible and should not feel guilty," Elder Scott said. "In the eternal plan, in the Lord's timetable, those injuries can be made right as you do your part."

He urged victims to seek help, beginning with Heavenly Father and the Savior, and encouraged them to talk to their bishops, who may use the priesthood to bless them.

Elder Scott offered some principles of healing:

- "Recognize that you are a beloved child of your Heavenly Father. . . .

- "Gain trust in the love and compassion of your elder brother, Jesus Christ, by pondering the scriptures. . . .

- "[Pray to askT your Father in heaven for help. . . .

- "Do all in [yourT power to stop the abuse. . . .

- "Do not waste effort in revenge or retribution against your aggressor. . . .

- "Understand that healing can take considerable time."

Part of the healing process, he said, includes forgiving those who were responsible for the abuse. "Begin by withholding judgment. . . . Leave the handling of aggressors to others. . . .

"You cannot erase what has been done, but you can forgive. Forgiveness heals terrible, tragic wounds for it allows the love of God to purge your heart and mind from the poison of hate."

Elder Scott cautioned victims of abuse to avoid two improper therapeutic practices that may cause more harm than good: 1. excessive probing into every minute detail of the past, particularly when this involves penetrating dialogue in group discussion, and, 2. blaming the abuser for every difficulty in life.

"The repair of damage inficted by abuse should be done privately, confidentially, with a trusted priesthood leader and, where needed, the qualified professional he recommends," said Elder Scott.