Abuse Against a Minor vs. Abuse Against an Adult

There is a difference how you handle a situation when a minor or disabled person is part of an abuse case.

In this lesson, we will focus on children. Understand that the same principles will apply to adults who lack full capability to take care of themselves, whether that be someone with a disability or and elderly person who is going through significant physical or mental issues.

Efforts to protect and ensure safety are our Christian duty regardless of the age of the person being oppressed; however our civil obligations do change based on the age or capacity of the victim.

Reporting abuse is MANDATED when it is against a minor.

Children don’t have the level of independence nor the intellectual capacity to understand what is happening when abuse is taking place.

Government officials therefore have said they will intervene on the child’s behalf.

WV law says:

Members of the clergy, medical personnel, mental health providers, social workers, childcare providers, school employees, camp personnel, and law enforcement must report cases of physical, mental, or sexual abuse, or neglect.

Once the team comes back from TX from the conference, we will get with an attorney to make sure we understand all of the laws, and how they apply to the church. We will make sure any policy(s) which are enacted will abide and be supported by law enforcement.

As we think about abuse against a minor, there are three contexts we will consider

1. a child disclosing an experience of abuse

2. observations of a child that make us “reasonably suspicious” abuse may be occuring.

3. hearing from a parent or other adult who knows about the abuse, and is confused about what to do next

Disclosure from minor

When a child starts talking about abuse, you want to affirm their choice to speak.

You will need to let the child know that there could be a possibility that what they are sharing with you may have to be shared with others.

You will need to let them know if this step is taken, it is only to protect them from further harm.

Video: 4:11

What are the best practices for making a child feel comfortable disclosing abuse without being leading or dismissive?

Observable Marks of Abuse

bruises

scars

broken bones

flinch reflex to movements from a nearby adult

highly sexualized or aggressive behavior from someone to young to understand

artwork or writing with themes of abuse

In later chapters we will talk about responses to these acts.

What we need to realize from this chapter is that these acts constitute “reasonable suspicion” for which a report should be made.

We as the church, don’t investigate, but should report this to the local authorities so they can carry it out.

Video - 9:21

How do you weigh the significance of observable marks of potential abuse and discern whether these things reach the threshold of “reasonable suspicion?”

Talking to a parent or other adult

If a parent is sharing the story of a child’s abuse, chances are they also know the powerlessness the child is feeling. They aren’t only sharing the child’s story, they are sharing theirs as well.

It’s important to share your obligation to report, even if the adult or the parent is the abuser.

Encourage the person to be present while the phone call the proper authorities is made.

Before the call, think through the conversation that is about to take place and any questions the person may have. Write them down so that when the call is made you can make sure all questions have been asked.

Write notes for the person as the conversation develops so when the call is over, you can review.

Also, make sure to go over any protective actions which may need to happen to make sure all parties are safe.

Our job is two-fold when we are there with the adult.

make sure the person faces no preventable surprises.

ensure they know they don’t have to remember everything that’s discussed

What is different when abuse is only against an adult?

The adult has the choice of getting a restraining order or pressing charges.

What we look at as an easy decision for us, is difficult for the victim.

When going through the legal process, it means that things become public.

Innocent until proven guilty will require cross examination

You need to let the victim make the decision. This is the beginning of letting them have control of a situation in which they had none.

Also, when making the decision, it would be wise for this decision to be made with the advise of a counselor and/or attorney experienced with abuse cases and the legal process.

A common mistake with abuse is premature intervention with the abuser.

Until the victim is ready to move forward, no type of action should take place with the abuser.

Safety is our number one goal for the victim. When the decision is being made to leave or report what is going on is the most dangerous time for the victim(s).

Video - 17:01

What are the best responses from a ministry leader talking to an adult shortly after the criminal act of physical or sexual abuse?

Questions or comments