Protocols for Faith Based Leadership in the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and the Protection of Victims

The Protocols for Faith-Based Leadership in the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and the Protection of Victims is a document is intended to help guide the messages by faith leaders in both the prevention and the appropriate response to child sexual abuse. It is important to recognize that faith communities who fail to be proactive in prevention and protection policies, may in fact, create an environment that perpetuates ongoing victimization to known and potential victims. Silence and secrecy are common to sex offending. Faith-based communities can be instrumental in breaking this silence by providing spiritual and emotional support to victims, abusers and their families in a safe setting.

The purposes of these recommended protocols are to:

1) Educate the faith-based community about the nature and scope of sexual offending and victimization within their congregation and the need for essential policies and procedures addressing these issues.

2) Provide a safety/prevention plan within the congregation that minimizes the vulnerability of potential victims.

3) Help identify, develop and utilize the optimal setting, intensity of intervention, and level of supervision necessary for "known" or registered sex abusers who attend faith ceremonies, meetings or events.

4) Provide spiritual and emotional support to victims, abusers and their families in a safe environment; and

5) Identify collaborative relationships with local prevention and support services.