CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY
authority. Most child victims of sexual abuse know and trust their abuser. They may also fear the person. Once abuse occurs, perpetrators will use their power, authority, and influence to promote silence. Control can be exerted in many ways, both physically and psycho-
logically. Some abusers use seduction techniques to gain the trust and control of a child. They may offer cash, gifts, trips, fun experiences and shower the child with attention and favors. They may also use blackmail, threats, physical force and intimidation. In addition, predatory abusers often select their victims carefully to increase their likelihood of success. Children who are targets for abuse are no match for such predators. What makes the problem unusually difficult in church settings is
that the abuser is often a respected member of the congregation. In addition to being able to exert the types of power and control just discussed, such individuals will also use their spiritual authority as a means of power and control. It creates an even more problematic sit- uation to uncover since other church leaders and the parents of the children trust and respect the abuser. Abuse is less likely to occur when a balance of power exists. That
balance of power does not exist between a child and an adult abuser. Rather, the balance of power must come from other adults, as well as from policies that are designed to maintain a low risk environment. Research indicates that between 10–20 percent of church-related
abuse cases involve another child as the perpetrator of the abuse. In part, these cases occur because of an imbalance of power, which is typ- ically age-related. It is less likely, for example, that a 9-year-old will molest another 9-year-old, than a 15-year-old will molest a 7-year-old. When sexual activity occurs between children, and there is an age sep- aration of 5 years or more, it is generally consider sexual abuse. As the following examples illustrate, this has implications on how churches pair children.
Example. During Vacation Bible School, a 16-year-old boy serves as an assistant teacher. The adult teacher asks the teenage assistant to take a 5-year-old boy to the restroom.
This example reflects a lack of balance regarding power and control.
As a result risk has increased. Numerous options exist to lower the risk of sexual abuse. The
teacher could have two 5-year-olds go the restroom together, or take a restroom break for the entire class. Both of these options maintain a
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