CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY
environments are dynamic. A change in any one of the risk factors alters the environment. The best risk environment is one with low iso- lation, high accountability, and a balance of power and control. Molest- ers, on the other hand, desire to increase isolation, lower accountability, and to maintain power and control over their victims. By analyzing these three risk factors, a risk profile begins to emerge.
Then, based upon the level of risk, adjustments can be made to the nature of the supervision, if necessary, to lower risk.
Risk Factor 1: Isolation Risk increases as isolation increases.
Most, but not all, sexual abuse occurs in isolated settings. As a general principle, risk increases as isolation increases. Four factors that affect isolation are: (1) the number of people present, (2) the time of the activ- ity, (3) the location of the activity, and (4) the physical arrangements. These factors impact the risk environment. Let’s now apply this princi- ple to the following examples.
Example. A fourth grade Sunday school class meets from 9.30–10.30 AM each Sunday in the main education building. Other classrooms are located on either side of the room, and there is plenty of activity going on in the building at that time of day, including adult classes. Someone always drops by to collect the class offering. The door, which has a large window, is left open while the class meets; the class has two adult teachers.
In this example, isolation is low. The activity occurs in a group
setting at a time when other activities and people are present in the building. The class has two adult supervisors. Other adults may enter the classroom unannounced at any time. Since the door is open people passing by can glance in. The number of people present, time, location, and physical arrangement of the event create a low risk environment. In such a setting, the risk of abuse is low and as a result, a general level of supervision is appropriate. Remember, however, that risk environments are dynamic and change. Let’s look at two simple variations on this example.
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