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April 14, 2010

Create a Child Abuse Response Plan

Preparation can make all the difference.


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(Editor’s Note: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. We're digging deeper into the issue of "Reporting Child Abuse" with Richard Hammar during a special one-hour live webinar on April 14. Don’t miss out on this important learning opportunity for your church.)

No one likes to acknowledge that child sexual abuse is a reality. The trusting environment of the church makes it a prime target for abuse to occur. Recognizing the signs of child sexual abuse and responding quickly can make all the difference in the victim’s life. Learn how with a few tips from ChurchSafety.com.

Before It Happens
Know your facts. Understand that 27 percent of women and 16 percent of men claim to have been sexually abused as children. Recognize that abusers come from all walks of life.

Plan ahead. Have a written response plan ready and waiting in the event of an incident. Outline steps for dealing with warning signs of suspected abuse as well as direct allegations of abuse.

Establish a reporting chain. Institute a reporting chain so claims are quickly escalated to church leadership. Follow state child abuse reporting laws and error on the side of caution when it comes to reporting.

Be ready to believe. Prepare yourself to believe all abuse claims regardless of who the alleged perpetrator is. A very small percentage of abuse claims are false. Even if you suspect a false claim, acknowledge the victim’s feelings of pain are real and follow your response plan.

Know the signs. Familiarize yourself with the physical, behavioral and verbal signs of sexual abuse. Understand that victims will often protect their abuser.

After an Allegation
Protect the victim first. Take whatever steps necessary to make the victim safe upon becoming aware of an incident. Immediately remove any suspects from a position of working with minors.

Support the victim. Give the victim unconditional love and support. Victims often feel guilt, anger and shame. They may need additional counseling, but you can show them faith and God’s love.

Set boundaries. Be available for the victim, but set boundaries to avoid creating an unhealthy dependency. Show affection while ministering to the victim, but encourage the use of a larger support group such as a Bible study or prayer circle.

Minister to all. Consider the impact to the victim’s family, the suspected abuser, and his or her family. All parties will need ministering through this ordeal.

To learn more about responding to child sexual abuse, visit ChurchSafety.com.

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Posted by Lindsey Learn on April 14, 2010 8:00 AM

Related Tags: child abuse, Richard Hammar, risk, safety, sex offender

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