Child Sexual Abuse and the Response of the Christian Community

Sexual abuse upon our children is an everincreasing epidemic in our country. While our nation’s overall crime rate fell 22% from 1993-1997, reports of child abuse and neglect increased 8%! In 1999, nearly three million children were reported as victims of abuse and neglect. This translates into 45 out of every 1,000 children living in the United States! A recent study of confirmed cases of sexual abuse found that 79% of the children initially denied abuse or were tentative in disclosing.

Of those who did disclose, approximately three-quarters disclosed accidentally. Additionally, of those who did disclose, 22% eventually recanted their statements. A significant cause for these alarming statistics is that the disclosing of sexual abuse by a child will often initiate a legal process that further victimizes an already traumatized young person. A child who experiences the emotional (and physical) pains of sexual abuse is often both confused and reluctant to disclose this horror to another adult.  Once such a disclosure is made, the laws in most states require the recipient to take certain measures that involve reports to local law enforcement and local child welfare agencies. Without warning, suddenly a myriad of strangers enter into the life of this young victim asking questions that are both confusing and extremely embarrassing. This process can often continue for months (and sometimes years) until the conclusion of the criminal case. Often, a child will experience the trauma of this process simply to learn that the criminal case was dismissed and that the offender received no consequences for his/her horrific abuse. The sexual abuse and the imperfections of the subsequent legal process often leave a child victim with multiple questions and very few answers.

What is the role of the Church toward these young survivors? Are we called to be like the Priest or Levi in the parable of the Good Samaritan and make up seemingly ‘rational excuses’ for why we walk by looking the other way? Christ calls us to help the helpless and to draw these young ones to Himself. In one way or another, all of us in the Christian community can take concrete steps to assist these young victims as they journey through the legal process and beyond. Encouragement, counsel, and direction are three areas that child sexual abuse victims and their families need from the Christian community.  EncouragementIn a recent case, a pastor and church elders showed up at the trial as a show of support for the member of their congregation accused of sexually abusing his developmentally delayed daughter. The pastor even testified as a character witness for the accused. Upon seeing this spectacle, the child victim asked the prosecutor, “Does this mean God is against me too?” Soon thereafter, this family left the church never to return again.  Those within the Christian community have a God-given responsibility to repeatedly encourage these young victims to seek the love and care of their Heavenly Father. We can show encouragement to victims of abuse by simply letting them know that they are believed and that they support the family’s decision to report the crime and proceed through the legal process. Some simple examples of encouragement are: (1) appearing at court hearings with the family, (2) babysitting for the family as they are meeting the many appointments associated with the legal process, and (3) consistently praying with the family during the long and often lonely In 1999, nearly three million children were reported as victims of abuse and neglect. This translates into 45 out of every 1,000 children living in the United States! journey. Seemingly insignificant acts of encouragement by Christian brothers and sisters will contribute significantly in propelling these families into the hands of their loving Heavenly Father.

Counsel The Christian community must also be trained and prepared to counsel these child victims and their families. It is vital that each of us recognizes our roles and responsibilities in carrying out this assistance. Pastors must be prepared to answer the many spiritual questions children have as a result of their sexual abuse, questions like: “Am I still a virgin in God’s eyes?”or “Where was God when my father was molesting me?” or “Do I have to forgive the man who molested me?” A pastor’s inability to address these types of spiritual questions often results in these young people seeking their answers from the same world that places so little value on their existence.

Christian counselors also play a significant role in the healing process of these young child victims. It is imperative that those who are going to counsel survivors of child abuse be specifically educated and trained in this unique psycho-spiritual area. Anything short of this will often contribute to further harm to an already traumatized young person.  DirectionLastly, as Christians, we must learn to recognize our limitations and abilities in assisting victims and families of child sexual abuse, making wise referrals when these limits are reached. Take help from telephone psychologist .

We must be prepared to direct these families to individuals who are better equipped and trained to handle the complex issues surrounding sexual abuse. For example, a minister must be prepared to direct sexual abuse victims to trained Christian counselors who can address their numerous psychological scars. Likewise, a Christian counselor must be willing to direct these same victims to a minister who is capable of addressing their numerous spiritual questions.

It is also imperative that the laity not attempt to take the role of minister or counselor when encouraging and comforting these children and their families. Lastly, we must all understand that the law often requires us to report abuse and direct these families to local law enforcement and/or other governmental agencies. In many states, it is a crime to fail to report a disclosure of child sexual abuse.  In Mark 10:14, Christ said, _“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”_ Sadly, child abuse inhibits countless children from approaching their Savior. Satan uses this sin to drive children from the Church and from the God who loves them. As a Christian community, we have the responsibility to preach and teach against this sin and to open our doors and hearts to hurting children and families everywhere. Our Savior demands no less of us.