CJC Members Encouraged to Report Abusers and Support the Abused

Churches in the Central Jamaica Conference (CJC) of Seventh-day Adventists were reminded that they have moral and legal obligations when handling victims and perpetrators in cases of abuse.

 

During an ‘enditnow’ discussion segment on August 24 hosted as part of the ‘Blessed Hope’ evangelistic series, Children and Adolescents Ministries director at the Jamaica Union, Dr Lorraine Vernal, encouraged churches to change negative attitudes towards victims.

 

“There are many people in our churches who are victims of abuse, and they are afraid to talk because they find that many times we are critical and it depends on who the abuser is, we take the side of the abuser because it may be someone who is loved or a respected leader. We may be judgmental,” she said.

 

She also called for more educational focus on the subject during church programmes to increase awareness.

 

“Churches sometimes throw away certain special days because the topics are not viewed as important. But sometimes leaders cannot sleep because members are calling them to deal with these very problems that are ignored…The church is a place where children can be taught that if anybody troubles you, bawl out and make noise and call 211! We are to empower people.”

 

CJC Family Life director, Pastor Horace Wilson, noted that handling perpetrators, especially of sexual offences, who are respected leaders is another area where more awareness is needed.

 

“There is this thinking that because [a church leader] is so good at what they do that they couldn’t be guilty of abuse. But the church has a responsibility once there is a report. We have a duty to report it to the [police]. Obviously, the board is going to have something to say about it, but that’s not sufficient. We should not try to cover up and make it seem not so bad. The praying and fasting are also necessary but that’s not where it stops,’ he advised.

 

He also noted that while there is a strong focus on abuse against women, men tend to suffer in silence because of fear of ridicule.

 

“There are many men who are suffering abuse from their wives. That’s why it is important to have public sessions so members are made aware that anyone can be abused.”

 

The discussion was moderated by CJC Education Department and Women’s Ministries director, Roxanne McKoy Chambers.

 

The ‘enditnow’ segment also featured consultant paediatrician at the May Pen Hospital and Gilead Paediatrics, Dr Curtis Pryce, who presented on trauma in children. He noted that childhood trauma often goes unnoticed because children may not be able to fully express what is happening to them. He told the members that although trauma negatively alters the brain, healing alters it for the better.

 

Director of Alternate Care Service at Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Eunice Scott-Shaw, presented on ‘The Trauma-Informed Church’.

 

She noted that under the Child Care Protection Act, children have a right to grow up in a safe and healthy environment. The Act also stipulates that someone who is aware of a case of child abuse but does not report it can be charged. She says the church has a critical role to play in supporting the principles of the Act.

 

‘enditnow’ is a global initiative of the SDA Church to advocate for the end of violence and abuse around the world.  It aims to mobilize SDAs and invite other communities to join in resolving this worldwide issue. The theme for 2024 is ‘Go Find My Sheep’.