Responding to Sexual Abuse 1

All this week we will look at what the church can do in response to sexual abuse. First, talk about sexual abuse - over and over again. Make sure that everyone in your church understands the reality and pervasiveness of childhood sexual abuse. Not only does this paint sexual abuse as a very real social and spiritual problem, but it fuels a mentality that leads to the development of healthy preventive and redemptive responses measures. Talking about it with your kids helps them more readily recognize it as sinful and immoral behavior. Consequently, those who have been victimized will be more prone to come out of the shadows of secrecy and into the light that leads to liberation. And, you will be preparing kids to move into a spiritually healthy adulthood with an established sense of right and wrong. . . especially in a world that sends confusing sexual messages that only feed the mindset of the abuser.