CSSM MB Summer Missionary Manual - Abuse 2
Understanding The Need
While the issue of physical and sexual abuse is not a new topic, it is rapidly becoming the number one concern for organizations responsible for the care and safety of children. Almost every day we are confronted by stories in the media relating instances of actual and alleged abuse against children while in the care of boys and girls organizations, sports associations, day cares, schools, camps, churches and other charitable organizations such as orphanages, shelters and group homes.
Apart from the obvious emotional and physical damage caused by such acts, many organizations are now facing the staggering financial costs resulting from civil liability judgments awarded to injured parties who are able to establish negligence against organizations due to the criminal actions of their employees or volunteers. One positive result of these highly publicized liability awards has been the heightened awareness on the part of organizations to take pro-active measures to reduce the risk of abuse to children in their care, including the proper screening, training and supervision of those individuals working with children and young people.
CSSM leaders have a spiritual, moral and legal obligation to provide a secure environment for children, youth and volunteers who participate in church ministries. Child abuse is a criminal offence as well as a violation of human conscience and dignity. It is a violation of God's moral law within the context of a trust relationship. The emotional, physical and spiritual trauma to victims, the destructive consequences for abusers and the devastating effects on the credibility of CSSM ministry and the name of Christ make it essential that CSSM take all appropriate steps to aid in the prevention of abuse.