Our Call to Connect & Care Deeply

Startling Facts to Consider

• Offenders are drawn to child-serving programs with fewer protections and barriers in place.
• 1 in 4 females and 1 in 6 males will have been sexually abused before reaching the age of 18.
• 90% of victims are abused by someone they know or trust.
• 2 out of 3 children don’t tell about abuse until adulthood, if ever.
• Less than 8% of outcries or allegations of child sexual abuse are false.
• Less than 10% of child sex abusers will encounter the criminal justice system.
• In one large study, the number of victims for the average convicted male abuser: who molest girls = average of 52 victims & who molests boys = average of 150 victims

We must protect our children & students from abuse & also protect our Church’s volunteers/staff

• We must be aware.
• We must not assume.
• We must equip & educate our ministry leaders (Ministry Safe).
• We must provide safeguards through policies and guidelines that will be implemented and must be followed.

We must provide care, compassion & support for those who have experienced abuse.

What If I or someone I know has experienced abuse?

• Seek the healing touch of Jesus.
• Seek out and tell someone.
• Seek professional help.
• Pursue justice if possible through the legal system.
• Refuse to be a victim and become a survivor.
• Forgiveness is a life-long process. 

How can I help and show care, compassion and support for someone who’s experienced abuse?

• Listen to them.
• Be there for them - help them walk the journey.
• Encourage them regularly and remind them of God’s great love and care.
• Pray with and for them, asking for God’s healing.

For Parents & Grandparents

• Be aware and never assume.
• Be on guard.
• Be proactive in talking with your children/students about abuse.