Abuse Prevention & Response

“Be Shepards of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:2-3

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

NOTE: The information contained in this guide is general in nature and is not intended to provide legal advice. Oklahoma Baptists encourages each church to consult with legal counsel when implementing local policies and practices.

Download Guide

Abuse Prevention and Response Supplements

The supplements below are referenced in the Abuse Prevention and
Response Guide. The supplements can be downloaded all together in a single
document or individually as separate documents

Download All Supplements

Individual Supplement Documents

01 – Written Applications Guidelines

02 – Background Check Guidelines

03 – Reference Check Guidelines

04 – Interview Guidelines

05 – Internet and Social Media Check Supplement

06 – Domestic Violence: Developing a Safety Plan

07 – Church Response to Abuse is Biblical

08 – Helpful Definitions

09 – Profile of a Victim

10 – Profile of an Abuser

11 – Meeting with the Alleged Abuser

12 – Guiding Principles of Victim Advocacy

13 – Reporting Domestic Violence

OKLAHOMA BAPTISTS ABUSE PREVENTION, ABUSE RESPONSE, AND SURVIOR CARE LINE: 1-833-942-3030

OKLAHOMA STATEWIDE ABUSE AND NEGLECT HOTLINE : 1-800-522-3511

Interested in Training?

Oklahoma Baptists desires to equip and support the local churches. Licensed staff are available to assist in providing training at churches free of charge. Also, staff can facilitate a support group for your local church while training an individual how to lead the group in the future. If you are interested in hosting a training for your staff and/or church members, or a support group, please complete the below form.

Abuse and Wellness Training Form

If you have any questions please contact, Carly Snedeker, Licensed Alcohol Drug and Mental Health Counselor, at 405-942-3000 ext. 3408.