Articles:
Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect
The effects of child abuse will impact each individual differently over the course of the individual’s lifetime. Immediate effects can include physical injury and emotional and psychological problems (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)). A child who has experienced abuse is also at an increased risk of further injury, “repeated victimization, delayed brain development […]
OPENKeeping Kids Safe from Abuse in BC
Whether you're a parent, family member, neighbor, or friend, the best way to protect a child from abuse is to have a good, open relationship with them. That means spending time with them, letting them know you care, and above all, listening to what they have to say. It's important that they understand that they […]
OPENProtecting Kids From Pedophiles in Churches
Before you start thinking that could never happen at your church, don’t kid yourself. A few months ago there was a children’s pastor arrested at another influential church in Twin Cities for a propositioning kids on the Internet. In my opinion this problem is only going to get worse and most of our churches are not prepared.
OPENProtecting Children at Church: 6 Suggestions
I’ve counseled and known far too many people who are broken, marred, angered, and scarred by abuse that they experienced... The grave sin of abuse...is a horrible blight on society. And in turn, the abused are the ones who suffer greatly...
OPENMandatory Reporting Laws: Child Abuse and Neglect
All states have set in place variations of mandatory reporting laws in order to decrease and prevent these incidents from occurring. These laws help ensure that cases of child abuse are reported to the proper authorities.
OPENTalking to Your Kids About Sexual Abuse
Parents must keep their children out of potential risky situations and teach them what to do if someone tries to exploit them sexually.
OPENWhy don't children tell if they have been abused?
According to a child abuse prevention campaign in the United Kingdom and Ireland called Stop It Now!: There are many understandable reasons why a child victim of sexual abuse is not likely to tell anyone about their abuse. Often, the abusive adult will convince the child that they won’t be believed or that they are […]
OPENPDFs:
Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: Position Statement
Child Abuse is non-accidental harm that occurs to an individual by a parent, caregiver or trusted adult that causes physical, emotional, or sexual harm. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect are defined accordingly by the British Columbia Government: Physical abuse is any physical force or action that results, or could result, in injury to […]
OPENBehaviors of Sexual Predators: Grooming
Grooming is the process during which a child sexual offender draws a child in by gaining his or her trust in order to sexually abuse the child and maintain secrecy. The offender may also groom the parents by...
OPENClergy as Mandatory Reporters of Child abuse and neglect
While clergy-penitent privilege is frequently recognized within the reporting laws, it is typically interpreted narrowly in the context of child abuse or neglect. The circumstances under which it is allowed vary from State to State, and in some States it is denied altogether ...
OPENWhat Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
This factsheet is intended to help you better understand the Federal definition of child abuse and neglect; learn about the different types of abuse and neglect, including human trafficking; and recognize their signs and symptoms.
OPENThe B.C. Handbook for Action on Child Abuse and Neglect
Recognizing Signs of Abuse and Neglect Some children may directly disclose that they have experienced abuse or neglect. The factsheet ”How to Handle Child Abuse Disclosures,” produced by the “Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe” child abuse prevention campaign, offers tips. The factsheet defines direct and indirect disclosure, as well as tips for supporting the child: Click […]
OPENVideos:
How Can Your Church Become A Safer Place for Children?
We would like to think that “church people” and Christian ministries are among the safest people and places for children, but this is not true. One convicted child abuser said: If ministries of your church do not currently have safeguards in place to protect children from abuse, speak to the leadership and encourage them to […]
OPENSpotlight (Docudrama)
Spotlight is a docudrama about the Boston Globe’s Pulitzer Prize winning investigation into sexual abuse in the Catholic Church that began in 2001. The series of articles released by the paper resulted in the exposure of child sexual abuse by clergy worldwide and the criminal prosecution of tens of thousands of priests.
OPENHand of God Documentary - Canadian
This film is a documentary about the life of Paul Cultrera, who grew up in the 1950s in Salem, Massachusetts. A Catholic priest befriended him and sexually abused him. The consequences for Paul have been lifelong. The film tells his story and failed attempt in the late 1990s to confront the Catholic Church.
OPENHand of God Documentary
This film is a documentary about the life of Paul Cultrera, who grew up in the 1950s in Salem, Massachusetts. A Catholic priest befriended him and sexually abused him. The consequences for Paul have been lifelong. The film tells his story and failed attempt in the late 1990s to confront the Catholic Church.
OPENToolkits:
U.S. Child Welfare Information Gateway: State Statues Search
The U.S. Child Welfare Information Gateway connects child welfare and related professionals to resources to help protect children and strengthen families. It can help you understand your responsibilities under the law of your state. If you know of a child being abused, report the matter directly to a local or state law enforcement agency or […]
OPENChild Abuse and Neglect Prevention
The Canadian Red Cross offers extensive training and information on child abuse, which it defines as “any form of physical, emotional and/or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that causes injury or emotional damage to a child or youth. The misuse of power and/or a breach of trust are part of all types of child […]
OPENBooks:
God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies
The publisher writes: “God Made All of Me” starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth to kids and their bodies. It equips parents to talk with both boys and girls about their bodies and to help them understand the difference between the appropriate and inappropriate touch of others. “God Made All […]
OPENI Said No! A Kid-to-kid Guide to Keeping Private Parts Private
The publisher writes: Using a simple, direct, decidedly non-icky approach that doesn't dumb down the issues involved, as well as an easy-to-use system to help kids rehearse and remember appropriate responses to help keep them safe, “I Said No!” covers a variety of topics, including: what’s appropriate and with whom; how to deal with inappropriate […]
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