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"How Should The Church Deal with Sexual Abuse in the Church", Jamacian Writer says
We think Dr Wendel Abel, writer for 'The Gleaner'
a Jamaican publican, has hit the nail on the nose. In plain English,
the writer has made some great and practical points for steps towards
not only acknowledging sexual abuse in the church but also for the
victim to find healing and trust in the church once again.
Take a look at a few of the ways the church overall can deal with abuse the correct way:
1. Accept that abuse does exist within the Christian Church and, therefore, become more actively involved in discussing these issues.
2. Don't silence the victim. For many persons when the matter of their abuse is brought to church officials, attempts are made to silence them out of fear that it could ruin a family or cause embarrassment to the church.
"Go pray about it," one young lady was told. Abuse should be dealt with. Victims are too often silenced by shame, guilt, denial and fear. The victim should not be silenced and forced to forgive.
3. Provide opportunity for healing. Sexual violence is a terrifying experience. It is usually experienced with profound horror and pain, and it is more traumatic when it is a repeated experience. The Church preaches a doctrine of forgiveness but people should not be forced into forgiveness without an opportunity to deal with their pain and the terrible emotions associated with abuse.
4. Help victims rebuild trust. Sexual abuse is not only a violation of a human being, it is also a betrayal of trust. Many victims grow up not trusting family, friends, the Church and the community. Many individuals even question their faith and God. One young lady who was repeatedly abused asked, "How could God have allowed this to happen to me?" Provide support for the victim....Read the final three of the seven ways the church can deal with abuse HERE
