The newest edition of <em>The Christian Chronicle</em> features several articles about churches and child abuse. Although any incident of child abuse is tragic, it seems even more of a violation when children are abused in a church setting because we naively think that churches are safe places for children. Regrettably, our trusting approach to church situations actually make it more likely that sexual predators will target children in churches.
The most significant step church members can take to help prevent abuse of children is to be aware of the warning signs of abuse and to create a church culture of awareness. Part of developing awareness is for parents to teach their children about sexual aafety. Parents who can sit down and talk with their children about safe and unsafe touching will provide a foundation so that their children will feel comfortable talking to them if inappropriate touching does occur.
For parents who grew up in homes where sexuality was discussed, talking with children about sexual safety will seem natural. However, many parents grew up in homes where talking about sexual issues was taboo. For parents who aren’t comfortable talking about sexual issues, reading a book or coloring book with their children can provide a non-threatening way to begin the discussions.
Churches and parents can no longer afford to treat sexual issues as a taboo subject because it sets up children to be victimized. When parents and churches are silent, children also remain silent and unprepared to protect themselves.
I agree with you and would want to make the most of my time left. I would also want to leave with no regrets.
I would appreciate our linking to each other’s websites if that’s ok with you!
Donna
It was so interesting story I am a Teacher of 3 grade in a private school in Kosova and I thing like you dear Dr.Beth we must thing about these children with these problems in their house we must help them in any way they need, I hope you understand my English language .
Key of a positive world and our future is NOT stop thinking of problems any problems of children in world because is not like you work with happy and loved child and from permisive family like you work with children with represive family , we must help them so early not to be late for them they are most important thing in this world but we must not just think but we must do that what is the best for them in practice , to be their live more easy and not so hard because how we educate them like infant or from prenatal periode they will be like these a factor in their social life and will grow their family in that atmosphere with a positive or negative influence in this wonderful world .
But I see that we make them like a robot and not like a human been we work, we dont have time for them to love to learn them how to live their life so lovely WE WORK ALL DAY but we dont think never for whom we do that money and everything for our robots , or for our lovely child …………………