Divorce After Intimate Betrayal: What the Samaritan Woman Reveals About Shame, Survival, and Sexual Integrity

Kim Hansen Petroni

Relational Recovery Coach

This session challenges common interpretations of the Samaritan woman in John 4 and examines how mislabeling her story mirrors how the Church often responds to women divorcing due to intimate betrayal. By exploring first-century divorce practices, honor-shame culture, and Jesus’ restorative posture, we will confront how shame is misplaced onto betrayed women. Participants will examine theological assumptions, consider the impact of betrayal trauma, and develop a more honest and biblically faithful response.

Professional Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to examine how cultural assumptions influence their interpretation of biblical narratives.

Participants will be able to recognize the impact of shame dynamics within ministry responses to divorce and intimate betrayal.

Participants will be able to integrate theological conviction with compassionate, restorative leadership practices.

About: Kim Hansen Petroni is a betrayal-trauma coach, educator, and speaker who helps women navigate the painful journey of intimate betrayal and divorce with honesty, faith, and hope. Through her work with CoachingHope4U and the nonprofit Not a Casserole Widow®, Kim supports women as they rebuild their lives after relational devastation.

Drawing from professional training, advocacy, and her own lived experience, Kim speaks openly about the realities many women face when marriages end due to sexual betrayal. She is the author of the workbook Not a Casserole Widow®: Navigating Betrayal Trauma and Divorce with Strength and Strategy, designed to help women move through betrayal with clarity, practical tools, and resilience.

Kim has spoken at conferences and events including APSATS, LitPATH, and the Choose Connection Summit, and has appeared on podcasts addressing betrayal trauma and healing. Her mission is to help faith communities respond with greater understanding, compassion, and truth.

Hours: M-F 8:30 am-5 pm (Central Time)
Telephone: (920) 389-1871
Email: [email protected]

Thanks to QuestionPro for providing us free survey templates for running multiple types of surveys, helping to strengthen our nonprofit family.

Hours: M-F 8:30 am-5 pm (Central Time)
Telephone: (920) 389-1871
Email: [email protected]

Thanks to QuestionPro for providing us free survey templates for running multiple types of surveys, helping to strengthen our nonprofit family.