One of the things we’ve learned recently is that we need to learn a lot more on the subjects of sexual abuse and prevention. Below I’ve tried to compile a starter list of resources I’ve found helpful and insightful. Please add resources in the comments you’re aware of that will help pastors and churches grow in their understanding of sexual abuse prevention and response.
Based on recent discussions, for my Southern Baptist friends, I would especially recommend focusing on understanding the grooming process, and also the understanding the ways abuse victims often react and the struggles they face as survivors.
From Christianity Today
Sexual Abuse Issues in the Church; Raising the Bar by Gregory Love & Kimberlee Norris
Sex Offenders Groom Churches Too: How predatory behavior goes undetected in congregations. by Kimi Harris
From our ERLC
6 ways pastors can care for victims of sexual abuse by Trillia Newbell
How to get help if you are a victim of sexual abuse by Brad Hambrick and J.D. Greear
How I found healing after abuse by Jennifer Michelle Greenberg
From GRACE – Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (netgrace.org)
Recommended Books – netgrace.org/books
Recommended Resources – netgrace.org/resources
Common Questions – netgrace.org/common-questions
- How do children disclose abuse?
- If children seldom intentionally disclose child sexual abuse, how does the victimization come to light?
- What about false allegations of child abuse?
- What can I do to increase the chance that any victims in my church or institution will disclose abuse?
- How can I prevent sexual predators from accessing children in my church?
- What sort of therapy should I refer victims and/or perpetrators to?
- Where can I learn more?
CRCNA Responding to Abuse Toolkit
Identifying and Learning About the Stages of Grooming
- Targeting
- Gaining trust
- Filling a need
- Isolation and dependence
- Sexualizing the relationship
- Maintaining control
Thanks, Brent!
Very helpful.
Here’s another resource: members of your church who work for CPS.
They know more than any consultant or expert who doesn’t actually — do the work. Give them a chance. You want to be known by your local CPS as the church that takes these matters seriously and has taken the initiative to work with it in advance.
Many years ago when confronted by a situation in our day care of abuse by family members of a child, we called the police department. The Fort Worth Police Dept. immediately came to our location along with a social worker and dealt with the situation. They were very professional and compassionate in their approach both with the child and the parents. Afterwards, we asked them to return and help us know what to do in future situations which they did. They understood our desire to deal pastorally with situations and yet helped us understand the need for reporting situations to them. This is a resource we don’t often think about but is available.
Another great resource for churches is your state convention staff. I know that most all states have someone available that can assist a church in this area. For more than 20 years, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board has provided resources and training for individual churches and associations on preventing sexual abuse in the local church context. Back in the old days, I personally led training based on the “Reducing the Risk” materials by Richard Hammar. More recently, TBMB has integrated that training into our VBS, Gen Z, Reaching your Zip, and other training events where we have a good gathering of preschool, children, and youth workers. I have included the basic concepts in conferences for Church Administrators, Church Secretaries and other gatherings where I am asked to speak to church security.
TBMB has recently posted two resources for churches in response to the current discussion.
https://baptistandreflector.org/12-things-churches-can-do-to-protect-minors/
https://baptistandreflector.org/radio-br-ep-23-protecting-children-from-sexual-abuse/
Plus, our state paper published the following articles that reinforces these basic principles.
https://baptistandreflector.org/the-heavy-hand-of-gods-judgment/
https://baptistandreflector.org/prompt-biblical-response-must-be-first-step-for-churches/
https://baptistandreflector.org/background-checks-a-necessity-not-an-option-for-churches/
Thanks William! Great input and resource list.
D2L.org is the website for darkness to light. Their seminar Stewards of Children is being offered to Missouri Baptist Churches by the Missouri Baptist Childrens Home. Very good training for staff and volunteers on child sexual abuse.
We’ll do something on it later but the SBC will be ready with our own resource in June. It’s suppose to be free, I believe.
https://churchcares.com