Tag: child sexual abuse

To Our Workers:

As you may be aware, “There are few moments in ministry that matter more than how we respond to someone who discloses to us that they have been sexually abused..”
[Understanding Sexual Abuse: A Guide For Ministry Leaders & Survivors, by Tim Hein, (2018) p. 57-58]
And perhaps you, like most others, are having to respond extemporaneously. We pray that you will have the needed strength and wisdom, but even so, these situations require some psychological information that I’m sending in case you don’t have it.

Survivors are substantially re-traumatized when disclosure is mishandled. ..Mr. Hein’s book mentions 3 words: Listen, believe, and [I’d add, to respectfully and humbly] acknowledge. I would also add this: Maintain a tone that helps them to feel safe to talk. There is nothing for you to defend or prove in that moment. You can always circle back around with questions at a later time, but those three words are important to employ in the moment.

Whoever is calling you has already spent weeks, months, years, huge portions of their life wrangling with their experience—or that of their precious child. This may be the first time they’ve even said the words. Calling you may well be the single bravest thing they’ve ever done. They are feeling embarrassed, vulnerable, exposed. They are usually going to be needing

1) reassurance that you believe them and to see that you take them seriously,

2) to know what their options are—legal and mental health (and as you know, child and adult options differ), and

3) to see what you are going to do moving forward (prevention). I don’t pretend to know what that is, but please offer something.

You do not need to (and perhaps shouldn’t) counsel them. Your role is to believe them and resource them. (Some resources are listed in my last email, if needed.)

Here are some examples of what they need to hear:

“I believe you. / It took a lot of courage to tell me about this.”

“I’m sorry this happened. / This shouldn’t have happened to you.”

The last topic I will mention is regarding perpetrator protection. Again, I don’t know if this has happened recently, but it has happened many, many times. No one coming forward to disclose should have to be questioned about what happens to their abuser. They have already spent way too much time considering that. Moreover, what happens to a perpetrator is between him and God and the law. No one reporting abuse is responsible for that. In addition, research has historically shown that a pedophile’s re-offence, relapse and recidivism rates are fairly high (and I understand that not all sexual abusers of children are pedophiles).

Given that information, many survivors and others are distraught by abusers returning to our gatherings where kids will be. Many I can readily think of have stopped going to meetings because of being unwilling to risk this exposure. Please, please do not make decisions that would continue to protect perpetrators. These people are so deceptive/charming/manipulative that it’s hard to believe they’d re-offend. And maybe even they don’t think they will. Until they do. Even after therapy. And please, please make sure they do not return to our gatherings where there are kids.

My hope is that you will read this email in the spirit I’ve intended.. to support your healthy intentions and offer some practical professional suggestions, in case you don’t already have them.

I hope that you are holding up well.

Suzanne Thompson

(NC Psychotherapist)

p.s. I also strongly recommend the book I quoted above. The author was also abused as a child—as many ministers have been, perhaps even your peers, or those on your staff, or even you—and has done an excellent job of offering resources, examples, and self-disclosure in an organized, compassionate way.

Dear WA/N ID/AK workers, elders and friends,

Recently, John Mastin confessed to sexually abusive behavior involving a minor during his time on Pohnpei.  We have recently received other similar allegations from victims and their families which indicates a troubling pattern.  We are in touch with some who have connections with Pohnpei, and are offering our support to those involved. None of the allegations involve people who are currently minors.  We are very sorry for the pain this has caused, and we want any other victims or people with concerns to feel free to come forward and be heard.

During our visit with John, we all agreed to the following conditions:

• He is stepping down from the work.
• He will not be attending any meetings until further notice.
• He will immediately seek professional therapy.

Early this week, we plan to send an email with educational documents that will direct each of us to practices and awareness that will help keep us safer.

Your brothers,

Brian, Wayne, Darryl

For those who would like resources, please see:

RAINN – the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization 1-800-656-HQPE (4673)

http://www.rainn.org

NATIONAL SEXUAL VIOLENCE RESOURCE CENTER:

https://www.nsvrc.org

WASHINGTON COALITION OF SEXUAL ASSAULT PROGRAMS:

https://www.wcsap.org

Dear Friends,

Recent events have made us more aware of our need to continue learning how to properly respond to any report of child sexual abuse. We are sad to think that a lack of awareness in the past may have caused more hurt or prevented healing for victims. We value the trust among us as we seek to follow Christ and want to do our part to foster a safe environment for all.

Abuse of any kind has no place in God’s family and any incident of child sexual abuse is a crime. If you reasonably suspect that a child or juvenile is being sexually abused, please report it to the authorities. Reports can be made to local police or by calling an abuse hotline such as 800-656-HOPE.

When we hear about another person’s sin. we may desire to not expose it.
But in the case of child sexual abuse, not reporting is against the law. prevents victims from getting the help they need, and allows perpetrators to continue their devastating behavior. A perpetrator of child sexual abuse is not easily identifiable by personality, and will generally offend repeatedly given the opportunity. Therefore, it is crucial to report suspected child sexual abuse.

To help prevent and detect child sexual abuse, we continue to require each member of our staff to complete the MinistrySafe Awareness Training every two years. This course is very helpful and is available for anyone to take.

We encourage you to be educated on these topics. It is highly recommended that parents read the summary of information found in this link and watch the Parent Training video by MinistrySafe (which is currently free during National Child Abuse Prevention Month). If you are an adult who was a victim of abuse, the RAINN.org   online chat or phone hotline can connect you with support services in your area.

If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to any one of us.

Thank you,

The Quebec/Atlantic Province Workers

Read by Elders to Sunday Meetings, April 23, 2023

Dear Texas and New Mexico friends and workers,

It seems clear that there needs to be some communication from us about what is happening in our quest for transparency in the process for protecting the vulnerable among our fellowship. We have taken this challenge seriously and feel we are on the road that leads to safety. Where this road will lead us is a bit uncertain at this time and it will require patience from all of us, but maybe by sharing our most recent endeavors, we can keep you abreast of our efforts.

The workers in New Mexico and Texas will meet together in Round Rock May 11-13. These three days we have sessions planned that will incorporate professionals from varying fields of expertise presenting information on a variety of topics, including but not limited to Sexual Abuse and CSA (Child Sexual Abuse). We are also researching ways to make our ministry more effective and open to the challenges of our generation. We are facing difficult challenges, but we believe that this pursuit, which is under the direction of the Spirit, is a step in the process of assuring our best days are still ahead. Please feel free to ask us about the content of our time together after we return to the fields following our workshop.

The Ministry Safe program has been approved by the State of Texas to train individuals to increase awareness of child sexual abuse. It helps everyone working with children to recognize grooming behaviors that abusers use to gain access to a child, how the abuser gains trust of the child, the irrational thinking, the behavior of a child suffering, and what action must be taken to stop abuse.

We have made an ambitious effort to assure that all our workers are certified with the MinistrySafe program. We have also made a point of getting the elders and their wives enrolled and certified in this program. One of our friends in Texas is helping us with this project. We encourage any parents and concerned individuals to take this course at www.MinistrySafe.com . Anyone who needs help using the Ministry Safe website may communicate with Karen via email at karenjc1013@gmail.com. Additional information concerning resources that are available to victims, public education on sexual abuse, and public policy on SA/CSA are available at the RAINN website at www.rainn.org. There is also a 24/7 National Hotline to report abuse or to seek counseling services at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

We are comforted by the fact that several other states have become aware of this need and are adopting practices that promote safe places for fellowship. We believe if we all work together, we can provide a safe environment for everyone, especially our children. We want to make sure we don’t miss any red flags to assure their safety. We welcome any concerns that any may have.

Your servants for Christ’s sake,

Lyle Schober
Carl Hamilton
Rich Raschke
Vaughn Ellingson
Westin Price
(edresses redacted)

https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2022/02/ex-alabama-foster-mother-pleads-guilty-to-11-counts-of-child-abuse.html

Ex-Alabama foster mother pleads guilty to 11 counts of child abuse

• Updated: Feb. 02, 2022, 7:27 p.m.|
• Published: Feb. 02, 2022, 6:46 p.m.

By Howard Koplowitz | hkoplowitz@al.com

A foster mother who abused her children while living in Alabama for six years pleaded guilty Wednesday to 11 counts of child abuse and is expected to be sentenced to a year in prison.

Jenise Spurgeon was facing 15 years in prison on each count but will only be locked up for a year under a plea deal, according to WAAY.

Spurgeon and her husband, Daniel Spurgeon, abused 11 children they either adopted or fostered in Florence between September 2008 until the family moved to Florida in July 2015.

Daniel Spurgeon pleaded guilty in 2019 to two counts of child rape, one count of sexual torture and 11 counts of aggravated child abuse stemming from the incidents.

The Spurgeons and the Alabama Department of Human Resources are also being sued civilly by the victims, who claim the agency was negligent by missing “numerous red flags” that physical and sexual abuse was occurring at the Florence home.

“Without the bravery and strength of these victims coming forward, we would have never known about the horrendous abuse they suffered,” said Birmingham attorney Tommy James, who is representing the victims in the civil suit. “They showed extraordinary courage speaking up against the Spurgeons, who should have been protected them instead of hurt them.”

Jenise Spurgeon “willingly participated in the abuse of these children and she deserves punishment. Now DHR needs to answer for failing these children. It is incomprehensible this abuse continued for years right under the noses of DHR workers,” James said. “My clients suffered unimaginable consequences because the people at DHR did not do their jobs. It is appalling they allowed this to happen.”

https://www.waff.com/2019/08/12/shoals-foster-dad-sentenced-years-child-sex-abuse/

Shoals foster dad sentenced to 25 years for child sex abuse

Published: Aug. 13, 2019 at 9:14 AM GMT+12

FLORENCE, Ala. (WAFF) – A foster father will spend more than 2 decades in prison after pleading guilty to physically and sexually abusing children in his care.

Daniel Spurgeon received a 25 year sentence to be followed by 10 years of supervised release on Monday.

Spurgeon pleaded guilty to 11 counts of aggravated child abuse, two counts of rape of a child younger than 12, and one count of sexual torture in July.

READ MORE: Daniel Spurgeon’s guilty plea

Victims spoke about the abuse that came at the hands of Daniel Spurgeon before he was sentenced, saying Spurgeon home schooled them to keep them separated from society. One victim described being kept in a locked room where they were sexually abused and left without food. Victims also said Spurgeon would drug them before sexual abuse.

Spurgeon’s wife, Jenise, is set for trial in October.

READ MORE: Former AL couple charged with sex crimes, violence against 11 children in their care

The Spurgeon’ were indicted and then brought to Alabama from Florida after authorities learned of abuse allegations from 11 foster children in their care.

Copyright 2019 WAFF. All rights reserved.

April 15, 2023

Dear Friends and Fellow workers in Kentucky & Tennessee,

We have received word that Dean Bruer, a worker in Northwestern US, who died last fall had been living a double immoral life. There is substantial evidence that this is true. Also another man who was in this ministry and having a place of oversight, has been accused of abusing children. Needless to say, we are shocked by all this and have a heavy heart for the victims.

Our prayer is that the victims will continue to seek the Lord in their distress and experience His healing and comfort that He alone can give.

We are saddened that such horrible things have occurred among our people, that men who have been held in such high esteem and trust have turned out to be like those we hear of in the world, from time to time, without the fear of God, whose horrible deeds have been brought to light.

To add to this, on Friday this week, a father told us of his daughter, when a girl of being abused by the son of a man who was attending our meetings. This Information just surfaced recently. Since that time, these horrible Incidences have plagued her and been so distressing, to say the least. When we received this word, Darin Jensen and I reported the Information to the police in the county of occurrence.

We encourage all to report to the authorities (police in the county of occurrence) anyone whose behavior is inappropriate with children; family, neighbor, Worker, friend, etc. Or phone the CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE KY 877-597-2331 or TN 877-237-OCXM. The Workers in the ministry are responsible to notify the authorities as we are mandated reporters.

The Workers in Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Florida and other states have taken the Child Sexual Abuse Training with Ministry Safe, based at Ft. Worth Texas 6001 River Oaks Ft. Worth Texas 76114 Some states have taken their training every two years for the last ten years. Other states have this source of instruction. We have found this organization to be most helpful.

Though we are aware that we are limited, we will standby and support in any way we can, those who have suffered such humiliation and hurt through abuse, who seek help of the Lord and professional help if needed.

We are glad we can look to the Lord Jesus for comfort, who is pure, holy and undefiled. Also to those among us who are true, upholding the life of Jesus by word, example, love and all purity.

Our Lord and those who follow Him, suffer reproach, because of the corrupt actions of individuals.

Sincerely

Your brother      [Signed by Jerome Frandle]

Policy Statement

As a fellowship we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children (under the age of 18). All children have a right to feel and be safe. We are committed to the safety and well-being of all children. We will ensure that a caring and appropriate response is initiated should abuse or suspicion of abuse occur.

This policy was written with a focus on children who come into contact with or are part of the fellowship.

The testimony of our fellowship is supported and maintained by an open and transparent policy.

Purpose

The safety, welfare and well-being of children is paramount; we believe children should never experience abuse of any kind.

• We are committed to conduct ourselves in a way that protects and safeguards children from any possible harm.
• We are committed to support and respect the healing of survivors of abuse within, or who were once part of, the fellowship.
• We have zero tolerance to abuse and will comply with reporting requirements of any suspicion of abuse, on reasonable grounds, to the authorities.
• There will never be any attempt to manage reported abuse within the fellowship.
• We encourage reporting of any suspected abuse, on reasonable grounds.
• To report in NSW (can be anonymously), phone Department of Family & Community Services Child Protection Helpline 132111. In ACT phone Child & Youth Protection Services – 1300 556 729.

We recognise parental responsibility for providing education and boundaries to maintain child safety. We will respect any boundaries parents have in place. We encourage open conversation and education in families around child safety.

We expect members of the fellowship to keep children safe.

This policy will be available to people participating in the fellowship.

Any person under investigation or convicted of an offence against a child will not be permitted to participate in activities that provide access to children.

We support a ministry that is itinerant and relies on the support of the fellowship to enable the Gospel to be shared.

All Workers have a responsibility to be aware of and support all aspects of a child-safe environment. They will undertake the following:

• Complete child-safe training every 3 years.
• Complete police checks every 3 years.
• Adhere to this policy and the Workers’ Code of Conduct.
• Ensure they are respectful of and acknowledge the rights of children, at all times.
• Complete appropriate training before joining the staff in NSW.

Governance

We will ensure biennial review of this policy or as required.

We will maintain record keeping in respect of governance of the requirements of this policy.

All Workers will complete the appropriate training before commencing in the Gospel work and will be provided with the Workers’ Code of Conduct.

All Workers will be provided with NSW & ACT regulations and information in regard to reporting requirements. Visiting Workers will be provided with a copy of this policy and the Workers’ Code of Conduct.

Developed and endorsed for NSW & ACT July 2019. Review due 2021.