CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY


and to the church. An uninformed response, however, can inflict addi- tional pain, alienation, and sow the seeds for legal action against the church. Be aware that not all sexual misconduct involves physical con- tact or touching. Child sexual abuse, for example, may include the use of pornography or watching sexual activity. Sexual misconduct encom- passes a broad range of actions and they all count as abuse.


Provide a caring response Church leaders receive allegations of sexual misconduct in many dif- ferent forms and from a variety of sources. In almost all cases, both the sharing and the receipt of such information is a troubling, difficult experience. Emotions run high and an untrained church leader can take a bad situation and quickly make it worse. On the other hand, a leader prepared to receive such information can provide responses and initiate actions that will be helpful to everyone involved. The following suggestions can assist in providing a helpful response. First, be prepared mentally to receive an allegation. Do not express


disbelief or respond in any way that minimizes the complaint or places blame upon the complainant. The chart below provides examples of appropriate and inappropriate responses. Second, be prepared for intense emotions from the complainant.


Probing, but sensitive, questions will be necessary to uncover some details. Don’t try to form conclusions concerning the truth of the complaint at this time. Rather, focus on three simple points: (1) that the complaint is being taken seriously; (2) that procedures exist for such complaints and that they will be followed to ensure proper fol- low-through; and (3) that the church desires to extend care and support in whatever ways possible to the victim and the victim’s family.


Document the allegation Documentation plays an important role in substantiating a complaint. In receiving a complaint, the following information should be collected and confidentially maintained:


1. The name, age, gender, and address of the victim. 2. The name, age, gender, and address of the alleged perpetrator. 3. The nature of the sexual misconduct alleged to have occurred.


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