Write your own blog post to share your ministry experience with others.
Safety involves each of us, and we can support our children in participating in creating save environments by using the Circle of Grace curriculum. Circle of Grace goes beyond “good touch-bad touch” models by addressing the whole person.
It is important to balance safety and risk with the rights and autonomy of individuals living with disabilities. This can be challenging and confusing, especially for caregivers, but it is important that the right balance be struck.
What do you think churches should do to provide a safer environment for individuals with disabilities?
In a safe church, issues of abuse can be freely discussed. Disclosure of abuse is met with compassion and support for those who have been hurt.
Abuse thrives in silence and secrecy. We must not allow it to thrive in our churches. Instead our challenge is to prevent abuse and to respond effectively when abuse occurs. - From Safe Church Ministry, A Church Leader's Role
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing," wrote eighteenth-century Irish statesmen Edmund Burke.
The start of the new school year is a time when many church programs begin to ramp up again as well, and it’s a good time to remind your congregation of their commitment to safe church.
"Pornography subtlety undermines male respect for women by detaching a woman's personality from her body, reducing her to a mere sexual commodity ... "
In the pictures, people look happy, hiding the fact that many are forced, manipulated or threatened to produce them. Children are exposed to graphic images as they do their homework. Marriages, relationships, and individuals are harmed by its use. Yet we don’t talk about it. Internet pornography doesn’t belong in Christian community
Churches and church leaders should have a well-developed relationship with the local shelter and know what services are available for victims of domestic violence.
“It is important for all organizations to admit that some degree of risk is inevitable in their programs. It is how they handle the risk that is important." - Volunteer Canada
Unfortunately, it is in the context of close interpersonal relationships that persons with intellectual disabilities are often abused. Because of these potential risks, Friendship Ministries has developed model guidelines for churches to follow in preventing abuse.
“Guiding children's behavior is a major commitment from caregivers ... Through it all, keep your sense of humor, and remind yourself of your successes and of the important role you play in caring for children.” -- Elaine Goodwin, Ed.D.
Proverbs reminds us that words also have the power to heal: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” I recall certain moments of trouble or worry in my life and how the kind and comforting words of a stranger warmed my heart and brought me peace.
Individuals who have experienced emotional abuse often suffer from “a crushed spirit.” The wounds caused by emotional abuse may not be visible to the human eye, but they leave an indelible mark on the human heart.
Outings, retreats and social events at the church can be fun for children and youth. However, fun can turn into tragedy if supervision is inadequate. How can your church provide supervision that will ensure the least risk possible?
Despite the abundance of evidence showing that teen dating violence is a serious issue in North America, awareness of the problem is low. According to The Rave Project, teen dating violence is more common than you might think. Here are some surprising facts about teen dating violence...
Power removed from love is, as Martin Lurther King, Jr. stated, “reckless and abusive.” Trace back almost any story of abuse – whether in churches, families, institutions, or society – and you will find corrupted power, a deadly force.