Hot Topics

 

Suffer the little children – do the little children suffer?

by Sigurd Reimers, 29 July 2007. (Part 1 in a series of 3)

 

 

Why is child protection such a big issue?

 

Firstly, there’s a lot of it about. At least 10% of all children can expect to experience at least one serious episode of abuse before they grow up. By abuse we mean heavy physical chastisement, being deprived of food or clothing over a long period of time, living in an atmosphere without human warmth, and with constant ridicule or threats, or sexual abuse.

 

Secondly, abuse affects many children profoundly, and some are emotionally affected for the rest of their lives. It is a major factor in adult mental illness.

 

Thirdly, it happens in all societies and communities, including Taunton, and including religious organizations. It can be carried out by men or women, posh or common, young or old. It can become apparent gradually or suddenly, and any of us may become aware of the signs of danger when we least expect it.

 

Fourthly, most abuse is carried out by someone who knows the child well. This is an abuse of trust, and may be a family member, a professional person, a helper or a neighbour. Only a few children are abused by a stranger. People who abuse are usually quiet about what they do, may be rather desperate, and do not stop easily. They may feel ashamed, or they may enjoy what they are doing, and they certainly fear being found out.

 

Fifthly, most people do not abuse children. There are probably not many people who do abuse children, but there are some who abuse a huge number of children, or who abuse a few children in a devastating way.

 

Churchgoers are probably no better than anyone else. Indeed, church can provide a dangerous degree of protection for an abuser, because churchgoers are encouraged to think the best of people, and Church offers many opportunities for privacy and intimacy. Also, as secular organizations tighten up their procedures, the churches risk being left behind as one of the easiest areas where sex offenders can make contact with children.

 

Did child abuse happen when we older people were young? Certainly it did, but we either didn’t believe it happened in respectable families, or that it didn’t do children any harm. Also, children quickly learned that it was pointless telling anyone about it. As our society is now more prepared to talk about abuse, things do seem to be getting better.

 

St Andrew’s has recently adopted a child protection policy in order to help those who are being abused, at risk of being abused, or have been abused in the past. We may not necessarily know who these people are, but we aim to offer a ministry to all people. This seems to fit the Gospel message well. The controversial bit is perhaps that we also aim to offer a ministry to those who have themselves abused children. If you wonder how crazy this is, read next month’s article.

 

Sigurd Reimers is a family therapist, and Appointed Person for Child Protection at St. Andrew's Taunton.

 

This is the first of three articles on Child Protection. The next piece will be published on 13 August 2007.

 

	Read Part 2 of this series
	Read Part 3 of this series

 

View St. Andrew's Church Child Protection Policy

 

ChildLine is the free helpline for children and young people in the UK. If you need some advice or just want to talk call Childline

on 0800 1111 at any time, or visit their website at http://www.childline.org.uk/

 

If you are an adult and worried about a child call the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000, or visit http://www.nspcc.org.uk

 

 

BACK TO HOMEPAGE

BACK TO HOT TOPICS