Protect is the first word in the purpose statement of Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries. And for this reason the first topic to be addressed in this blog is protecting children from child sexual abuse.
Protecting our children means more than 'Keeping them away from strangers.'
The disturbing reality is that the sexual abuse of children is a “silent epidemic” striking nearly 1 out of every 7 children in our society. The biggest myth facing parents and others responsible for the well-being of children is, “If I keep my children away from strangers they’ll be okay.”
The disturbing reality is that 90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator
Another myth is that those who sexually exploit children are “dirty old men.”
Again, the facts are that child sex offenders come from every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. Some things that can signal when a child is being sexually abused are:
- Does an adult spend isolated or “unique” time with a child?
- Does a child possess unexplained gifts, such as toys or money?
- Is a child withdrawing from friends to spend time with one particular adult?
So, you may ask, “What can I do to protect my children or those for which I am responsible?” When seeking a care provider for your child or permitting children to be involved in sports, or recreation, church and community activities led by adults, there are many questions that could be asked. Here are just three for consideration.
- What policies are in place to protect the children in their care?
- Have the individual or individuals been screened through the state’s central sex offender registry to determine if they have ever been accused of sexual abuse? In Alabama you can conduct your own search at http://dps.alabama.gov/Community/wfSexOffenderSearch.aspx
- Is there a “two person rule?” In other words, “Will there be two unrelated adults with the child at all times?”
If you would like to ask one of our professionals to speak with your church or community group about ways you can further protect children from child abuse, call us at 1-888-720-8805 or email info@abchome.org.
Our Pathways Professional Counselors are also available for children and individuals who have experienced trauma, including sexual abuse. Contact us at 1-866-991-6864 or email pathways@abchome.org.
Bob Dewhurst
ABCH VP, Ministry Development
Alabama Child 