Abuse Prevention & Response

Sexual abuse is widespread and permeates every aspect of our society. The CDC estimates that one out of three women and one out of four men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact. While these statistics may seem staggering, they only begin to tell the story. Actual incidences of sexual abuse far exceed the number of reported incidences because most survivors never report their abuse. And out of every 1000 incidents of sexual abuse, only 25 abusers ever face incarceration. 

Churches are not immune to these statistics. But our church leadership is often overwhelmed by the scope of the problem and unsure how to implement best practices surrounding abuse prevention, abuse response, and survivor care. How can you develop policies to better protect your most vulnerable members? How can you screen and train your employees and volunteers to improve the safety and security of your ministries? What do you do when someone discloses abuse to your church leadership? Who and when must an individual report abuse or neglect? How can church leaders shepherd victims through the devastation of abuse? 

While the answers to these questions are complex, the Abuse Prevention and Response guide is designed to provide general principles that can be a starting point for church leaders who are working to implement effective abuse prevention and response policies and practices.

PLEASE CONTACT OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS AT 1-833-942-3030 FOR ASSISTANCE RELATED TO ABUSE PREVENTION, ABUSE RESPONSE, OR SURVIVOR CARE

Abuse Prevention and Response Guide

Abuse Resources

The following links are to be utilized as a guide for resources, Oklahoma Baptists is not affiliated with the companies.

Victims/Survivors

Caring Well: Survivor Stories
RAINN
Books, Devotionals, Podcasts
Domestic Violence Safety Plan
Oklahoma Hotlines
Department of Defense Safe Helpline for Sexual Abuse
Freedom for Captives
Trauma Healing Basics