I attended a seminar during which a woman revealed that her clergy husband had abused her for years. When she finally gathered the courage to go to the Bishop for help, she was told to examine herself to discover where she erred. When the divorce took place and the physical abuse became known to the town, the Bishop sent her husband to another church a distance away. This is the ultimate betrayal by the church.

Physical and sexual abuse is hidden away in dark closets, but it does exist. I believe the clergy should take the responsibility head on to help the vicitims, to aid in its prevention.

    • Hundreds of thousands of women and girls throughout the world are forcibly trafficked and prostituted each year. (2002) See video below.

    • A large number of sexual assault victims are less than age 15.(1997)

I know that some churches are sensitive to the problem. At a church I attend now, on the women’s toilet stall doors, a flyer is taped with a short encouraging message, a phone number to call for help and the address of a woman‘s shelter.

Studies indicate that pastors are poorly prepared to deal with this topic. Since pastors are frequently the first person to whom the victims will seek help, the following are a few simple guidelines …..equally applicable for the members of your church.

        Believe and support the victim, no matter who the accused.

Don’t ask the abuser to talk with you…puts the victim in jeopardy.

Protect the victim…take them to a shelter, the police.

Be there for them, even if they decide to return to the abuser.

Maintain confidentiality.

        If children are in danger, report the abuse to child protective services.

The following videos briefly touch on the problem. Included are videos on trafficking and child sexual abuse. Think about it. Preach about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqfNekxvtbs