What Can Faith Communities Do About Child Abuse

Child sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior between an adult and a child or an older child and a younger child. This can include touching, exposing oneself, or forcing a child to engage in sexual activities. Child sexual assault can cause both short-term and long-term harm to children. It can lead to physical and emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy relationships as an adult.

Faith communities can take steps to prevent child sexual assault, such as implementing policies and procedures to ensure the safety of children, providing education and training to staff and volunteers, and creating a culture of openness and transparency. Faith communities can support victims of child sexual assault by providing a safe and supportive environment, offering counseling and other resources, and advocating for justice and accountability.

Faith communities have a moral and legal obligation to make sure children are safe, especially when they are participating in activities or on the grounds of the church, mosque or temple. Protecting children is all of our responsibility. If you want to learn more about how to protect children, reach out for a consultation today!