Child Abuse Prevention Month April 2017

God calls us to protect children and youth. God calls us to protect our children and youth. We are to nurture them so they will know they are deeply loved by God and are invited to follow Christ. Church can and should be the safest place for children. “Children are our most precious resource,” Jeanette Harder, cofounder of Dove’s Nest.

“Do you hear what these children are saying. ” they asked him “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” Matthew 21:15-17 It is important to view prevention as something we do together. The health of our churches and communities are important. Also, we don’t ignore what is happening in people’s homes or families. “Dispel the notion that what happens in homes is private and no one else’s business.” Carolyn Heggen. It can be tempting to protect adults’ reputations, for example, without considering the cost of children. But this is not biblical. If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. —Matthew 18:6

are abused in the US annually. More than 700,000 children are abused in the US annually.  Neglect is the most common form of maltreatment. Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions, and at all levels of education. Two-thirds of children served disclosed sexual abuse (205,438). Nearly 20% of children served disclosed physical abuse (60,897). For more statistics, see http://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/media-kit/national-statistics-child-abuse.

The Church Is Not Immune According to a denominational body survey, nearly 20% of women and 6% of men reported that they had been sexually abused or violated—most as a child or teen. For society at large, the figures range from 17–25% for women and 3–16% for men, depending on the study and how people define sexual abuse or assault, according to the Centers for Disease Control. There are victims and survivors in our churches and in our families. Well over 90% of offenders are known personally to the victim. The higher the trust, the higher the risk.

Protecting Our Children: Practical Steps in Church Emphasize that the church cares for children and does not support any abuse or violence. As adults, learn more about the problem of abuse and neglect, and possible solutions. Work with church leaders to ensure a child protection policy is in place and being followed. Be aware and supportive of the victims/survivors in your church. Consider a sermon on abuse prevention. Look into the Circle of Grace curriculum for your church. Remember that talking about abuse can be triggering for adults who suffered abuse as children or in their past. Make your child protection policy visible—post it online, on a bulletin board, and reference it in meetings. This will attract young families and will be a deterrent to offenders. It’s one concrete and important way to publicly demonstrate your care for children’s safety. Watch the movie Spotlight together.

Protecting Our Children: Practical Steps in the Community Be familiar with local resources. Invite child protection agencies to provide training and information. Advocate for policies that protect children with local, state, and national leaders. Provide friendship and support to families in your community. Local professionals—for example, social workers, police, and child advocacy center representatives—are an invaluable resource. Work to form relationships before a crisis occurs in your church or within a family in your church. Look out for families in your midst that need assistance and support through meals, errands, etc.

Thank you for listening and/or presenting this information Thank you for listening and/or presenting this information! Also see our children’s story materials and bulletin insert for 2017.

Help your church be part of the solution. Dove’s Nest Can Help Dove’s Nest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Equipping and empowering faith communities to keep children and youth safe in their homes, churches, and communities. Help your church be part of the solution. www.DovesNest.net

Sources http://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/media- kit/national-statistics-child-abuse Kanagy, Conrad. 2006 Church Member Profile, Mennonite Church USA.