As Christian counselors and pastors, we are deeply committed to the well-being of every individual, especially the most vulnerable among us—our children. April marks National Child Abuse Awareness Month, a time when we are called to action to protect our children from harm and bring light to what is hidden. Below we want to identify some statistics for church leaders as well as some actionable steps for you.
Note that we have other articles on preventing sexual abuse within the church, what the church’s response needs to be with regards to domestic violence, and what pastors should do when they witness any kind of abuse.
Statistics of Child Abuse
The statistics are staggering.
- In the United States alone, more than 3 million children are reported as victims of child abuse each year.
- Approximately 5 children die every day because of child abuse.
- 1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 5 boys will be sexually abused before they reach age 18.
- Most children become victims of abuse and neglect at 18 months or younger. (ChildProtect.org)
- Nationally, neglect is the most common form of abuse. Three-fourths (76%) of victims are neglected, 16% are physically abused, and 10% are sexually abused. (NationalChildrensAlliance.org)
Churches are not immune to this, with news stories even this week coming out of pastors doing deplorable things in their community or with their congregation. One website notes:
“Over 7,000 claims of sexual abuse by church staff, congregation members, volunteers, or the clergy were made to just three insurance companies over a 20-year period”
NotInOurChurch.com
Abuse can come in many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglectful acts, leaving hidden scars on our children’s minds, bodies, and souls. And so we are charged, as stewards of God’s creation, to stand against this injustice and create a safe haven for our children to be protected and thrive.
What Can We As A Church Do?
In light of this imperative, we must equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard our children. Education is paramount. We must familiarize ourselves with the signs of child abuse and neglect, empowering us to recognize when a child is in danger and take decisive action to intervene. That is why we created the Mandatory Reporting for Churches ebook to help church leaders and volunteers know what they are required by law to do and even when not required, should be done as a matter of morals.
Moreover, we must support organizations dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and the rehabilitation of its survivors. These organizations play a vital role in our communities, offering resources, support, and healing to those affected by abuse. Do you know the resources in your area? If you have none, would your church be willing to get needed individuals to those resources or be a center for accessing these resources?
But our responsibilities extend beyond mere awareness and support. We must actively engage in conversations with our children about safety, boundaries, and consent. By teaching them developmentally appropriate views of what is safe, who is safe, and how to talk about any concerns in a safe place, we equip them with the knowledge and confidence to identify and resist abusive behaviors.
Respect for oneself and others is foundational to this endeavor. Furthermore, we must empower our children to trust their instincts and speak up when they feel uncomfortable or threatened. Through open dialogue and role-playing exercises, we can cultivate in them the discernment to distinguish between safe and unsafe situations and the courage to assert themselves when necessary. This requires us to listen, understand their fears and concerns, and follow up with investigations that are accountable and thorough, even if it pains us and those around us to do.
As parents, educators, and members of the faith community, we have a sacred duty to protect and nurture our children. Let us use this Child Abuse Awareness Month as an opportunity to renew our commitment to this vital mission. Together, let us create a world where every child is cherished, valued, and protected from harm.
May God grant us the wisdom, strength, and compassion to be faithful stewards of His precious gifts—our children.
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