“ If media headlines are any indication , those being prosecuted for failure to report are primarily employed by churches , camps , day care centers and schools .”
“ If media headlines are any indication , those being prosecuted for failure to report are primarily employed by churches , camps , day care centers and schools .”
UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL ABUSE
An understanding of mandatory reporting requirements is critical for ministry leaders . Equally important is an understanding of behaviors commonly indicating abusive behavior ; the grooming process of the abuser .
In child-serving ministries , the preferential sexual offender is the primary risk to children in ministry programs — representing 94 % of prosecuted cases . ( See our prior article , " Criminal background checks — not a silver bullet !" at https :// churchexecutive . com / archives / stopsexual-abuse-4 ). When ministry leaders better understand the grooming process of the preferential offender — how an offender gains access to children , grooms a child for sexual touch and subsequently keeps the child silent — that ministry leader is better equipped to recognize risky behavior as it is encountered ; before the offender has molested a child . With effective training , ministry leaders develop ‘ eyes to see and ears to hear ’ predatory behavior , which give rise to appropriate reporting . In other words , don ’ t wait until an individual is caught in a compromising position with a child to suspect a problem might exist .
To learn more about the grooming process of the preferential offender and behaviors indicative of child sexual abuse , visit https :// ministrysafe . com / church-executive .
COURAGE TO REPORT Many ministry leaders struggle with the thought : what if I ’ m wrong ?
What if I make this report , impact this person ’ s life , and I ’ m wrong ?
Here ’ s the reality : by creating very broad reporting obligations and requiring that reasonable suspicions of abuse be reported , each state legislature has decided that the safety and welfare of the child outweigh the inconvenience to an adult ( or another child , in peer-topeer sexual abuse scenarios ).
In some cases , a ministry leader has experienced significant difficulty in reporting a past allegation . Keep these two realities in mind : the United States has the best child protection and criminal justice system in the world , yet the system is clearly imperfect . Nonetheless , a poor past experience does not change legal reporting requirements related to a current circumstance .
Circumstances giving rise to a need to report are rarely convenient , easy or unemotional . Child sexual abuse allegations commonly involve behavior that is difficult to believe about an individual who is difficult to suspect . In part , this is because preferential abusers groom the gatekeepers in ministry environments , working diligently to cause those around them to believe they are helpful , responsible and trustworthy individuals . Keep in mind : false allegations are rare . Studies indicate that only 2 % -3 % of all sexual abuse allegations are false ; the majority of outcries are truthful and factual .
In our current cultural context , two out of three children don ’ t tell about abuse they have experienced until adulthood , if ever . This is further compounded by the fact that most children don ’ t tell because “ no one will believe me ” ( which , too often , is true ). The church must become more skilled at preventing abuse , recognizing signs and symptoms of abuse , and recognizing predatory behavior and characteristics . A ministry ’ s willingness to recognize and report suspicions of abuse forms a key element in protecting the children it serves .
Legislative code sections define abuse very broadly and require a report when a reasonable suspicion of abuse is formed . Broad reporting requirements exist because legislatures want criminal and child protection authorities armed with information used to protect children at the earliest possible point in time . If every allegation or suspicion of child sexual abuse is reported by church leaders to appropriate authorities , the church and Christ-based ministries become a true sanctuary for the most vulnerable among us : our children .
When in doubt , REPORT .
Kimberlee Norris and Gregory Love are partners in the Fort Worth , Texas law firm of Love & Norris [ https :// www . lovenorris . com ] and founders of MinistrySafe [ https :// ministrysafe . com ], providing child sexual abuse expertise to ministries worldwide . After representing victims of child sexual abuse for more than two decades , Love and Norris saw recurring , predictable patterns in predatory behavior . MinistrySafe grew out of their desire to place proactive tools into the hands of ministry professionals . Love and Norris teach the only graduate-level course on Preventing Sexual Abuse in Ministry as Visiting Faculty at Dallas Theological Seminary .
BEST PRACTICES
Keep these ‘ best practices ’ in mind with respect to your ministry ’ s reporting requirements .
Learn your state ’ s reporting process prior to a reporting event .
If you ’ ve never reported child abuse or neglect , take time to learn ( 1 ) what number to call , ( 2 ) what information is required , and ( 3 ) if a written report is necessary .
Some congregants ( or staff members ) might not be happy .
In a circumstance requiring a report , it is possible that some will be angry or upset that a report must occur , or even ask or demand that you not report . Be prepared for this opposition . When in doubt , report — even when faced with resistance .
Keep a record of the report and inform your insurance carrier in writing .
Legal action ( criminal prosecution or civil litigation ) might unfold months or years from the time of the report . At the time of the report , document what was reported , when the report was made and to whom . Do not rely on your memory or the hope that the reporting staff member is still associated with your ministry when legal action unfolds months or years later . Inform your insurance carrier in writing the same day the report is made .
Report historical allegations when brought to your attention .
When an allegation of abuse matter is brought to your attention months , years or even decades after the fact , do not fail to report simply because the allegation is old or involves individuals no longer involved or employed at your church . Be prepared to report historical allegations . Unless you are able to verify that someone in your ministry previously reported — make the report .
Again : when in doubt — REPORT .
20 CHURCH EXECUTIVE • STOP CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE churchexecutive . com