Child Abuse Awareness: Resources

Bulletin Insert/Flyer: Faith Alive Order Link.

Child sexual abuse is not something we want to hear about, but we must not turn a blind eye to a problem that affects so many. This bulletin insert helps bring the topic out into the open so that our congregations can respond more effectively. You can also view a high definition web copy here.

This product is available free to CRC congregations. It is also available, in bundles of 100, for a small fee to all others.

Report Childhood Abuse and Neglect

Our Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is a 24-hour hotline with resources to aid in every child abuse situation. All calls are confidential.

Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) for help in both Canada and the U.S.

For more information:

In Canada - Canadian Child Welfare Research Portal

In the U.S. - Child Welfare Information Gateway

Webinars

Why the ACEs Study Matters: Implications for Serving Those That Have Experienced Trauma and Adversity: Adverse Child Experiences have been linked to negative outcomes. In this webinar Tara Boer shares findings of the ACEs study, helps us understand the impact of trauma on the brain and human functioning, and leads us to a more compassionate response toward others.

The Church's Role in Ending Child Sexual Abuse: One in four girls and one in six boys experience sexual abuse before they reach the age of 18. What is the role of the church in light of these horrific statistics? This webinar examines how sexual abuse happens, what some of the impacts are, and then explores how churches can play a key role in ending this epidemic in our culture

Video & PowerPoint

PowerPoint Presentation - Child Abuse 101: One in four girls and one in six boys experience sexual abuse. This is the world in which we live and the reality for many people in our congregations. Child Abuse 101, which can be adapted to fit a variety of contexts, will help in understanding how sexual abuse happens, what some of the impacts are, and how churches can join a movement to end child sexual abuse.

Video - It’s Not Just Jenna: This 20 min. video portraits a true story of Jenna Quinn and her family’s courageous story of sexual abuse and survival. May be purchased here or borrowed from Safe Church Ministry (please contact us for information)

Video - The Parents Protect! Child Sexual Abuse Video Learning Programme: This 30 min. informational video is a product of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation in the United Kingdom and is made available free of charge. Other resources are also available from the Parents Protect website.

Helpful Websites for Understanding Child Sexual Abuse

ChildHelp.org One of the oldest and largest agencies in the U.S. focused on the prevention of, and appropriate interventions in response to, child abuse and neglect.

Darkness to Light: Darkness to Light is an organization dedicated to preventing sexual abuse through training and resources for adults. The website has a range of helpful resources.

One in Six: One in Six is dedicated to the healing of adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, an often overlooked problem that affects at least 1 in 6 males. It also includes resources for professionals and the families of survivors. 

StopItNow: An organization dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse, StopItNow provides succinct and helpful resources to understand and prevent child sexual abuse.

Books

Caring for Sexually Abused Children: A Handbook for Families and Churches (2001 by Dr. R. Timothy Kearney) A succinct and practical resource addressing the most common questions and difficulties families and churches face after disclosure of child sexual abuse; available for purchase from Amazon

Let the Children Come: Preparing Faith Communities to End Child Abuse and Neglect (2010 by Jeanette Harder) Provides helpful advice for how churches can create a safer environment for children; available for purchase from Amazon

Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth

Tear Down this Wall of Silence: Dealing with Sexual Abuse in Our Churches (2015 by Dale Ingraham) Written as a wake-up call for churches, includes an introduction to understanding abusers, victims, and how the church should respond to both in the church; available for purchasefrom Amazon

Articles

“Safety Planning within Faith-Based Communities”: (From StopItNow, a sexual abuse prevention organization) Provides a brief overview of basic steps churches can take to prevent sexual abuse

“Voice of the Victims: Sex Abuse Survivors and the Church” (April 30, 2012 by Michelle Van Loon, Christianity Today) Helpful suggestions for how churches can do a better job creating awareness, prayer, and action to curb the epidemic of abuse and create a climate of healing for victims

Documents

The Grooming Process: Five Phases of the Behavioral Dynamics of Child Sexual Abuse

Responding to a Child Who Discloses / Signs and Symptoms