CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY
is willing to invest significant amounts of time in church programs is seen as a blessing. Because of this, ignorance about the risk and profile of preferential molesters puts churches (and more importantly, chil- dren) at a high risk for susceptibility. The best way to ward off preferential sex offenders is to develop
an environment that puts the molester at risk rather than the children. That process begins with the development of a thorough screening pro- gram for both paid and volunteer workers, and continues with proper supervision and accountability.
Situational Sex Offenders Church leaders should also be familiar with situational sex offend- ers. There are for more situational molesters than preferential sex offenders, but these people have fewer victims. As the title implies, a “situational” sex offender is and opportunist who engages in mis- conduct when an opportunity presents itself. Situational molesters may engage in a wide range of abusive behaviors with individuals of all ages, and they do not fit any single profile. What they share in common is the willingness to engage in sexual misconduct when given the opportunity. They may use force or coerce their victims, be indiscriminate concerning whom they molest, and act completely on impulse. Situational sex offenders are more likely to confess or feel remorse than are preferential molesters.
The need for accountability To reduce the risk of child sexual abuse, churches must create an envi- ronment of accountability. Screening and supervision represent the two key strategies to establish such an environment. These are the ele- ments that reduce the risk of child sexual abuse in churches. Both preferential and situational sex offenders operate in churches.
While we do not like to acknowledge the reality, these individuals include clergy, board members, respected volunteers, church employ- ees, professionals, and people we think of as friends. They are not easy to identify in advance, but will not feel comfortable in an environment that poses a threat to them. Screening helps to put the sexual offenders on notice that the church is on guard.
10
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74
