ASSIST CHURCHES

There are basically 4 types of abuse that can be perpetrated against children. These are emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Below are definitions of each.

Emotional Abuse: The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect defines emotional abuse as “acts or omissions by the parents or other caregivers that have caused, or could cause, serious behavioral, cognitive emotional or mental disorders.”

Physical Abuse: This is an act of commission by a parent or caretaker which is not accidental and which results in physical injury, including fractures, burns, bruises, welts, cuts and/or internal injuries.

Sexual Abuse: Contacts or interactions between a child and an adult when the child is used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or another person is sexual abuse. State definitions of sexual abuse vary but many indicate various degrees of physical contact, or there may be no contact but the child was used in a sexual way, for example, in a pornographic display for the sexual gratification of the photographer and/or other persons. Sexual abuse may also be committed by a person under the age of 18 when that person is either significantly older than the victim or when the perpetrator is in a position of power or control over another child.

Neglect: Repeated failure to meet the minimal standards for a child’s nutritional, clothing, medical, educational, safety and/or emotional needs constitutes neglect.

Churches encounter not only abuse of children but a growing amount of incidents of abuse of the elderly.

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Abuse Injuries

Common forms of injuries that result from abuse include:

pain and/or itching in the genital area
pain in urinating or defecating
difficulty walking or sitting
failure-to-thrive or less extreme (but still severe) deficits in growth or development
sleep disorders, including nightmares or restlessness
exhibits an eating disorder
unexplained bruises or welts, often clustered or in a pattern
unexplained fractures or dislocations

Complete lists can be found in Block D2 – Child Protection in the Church.

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Abuse Instruments

Various items used to administer abuse include, but are not limited to:

belt, lamp cord, cigarette, lighter, shoe, dish, boiling water, or coke can.

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Abuse Reporting Requirements

Each state has its regulations regarding the reporting of child abuse. Below is a list of the requirements for each state, the penalties, and contact numbers. Not all states provided contact numbers. Penalties regarding false reporting are for cases of malice reporting.

Alabama

Statute: §§26-14-3(a); 26-14-10

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§26-14-13; 13A-10-9

Failure to report: misdemeanor: imprisonment not exceeding 6 months; or a fine not exceeding $500.

False reporting: Class A misdemeanor.

Reporting number: 334-242-9500

Alaska

Statute: §§47.17.020(a); 47.17.023; 47.17.060

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: 47.17.068

Failure to report: Class B misdemeanor.

Reporting phone number: 800-478-4444

Arizona

Statute: §§13-3620(A); 8-805(B)-(C)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§13-3620(O); 13-3620.01

Failure to report: Class 1 misdemeanor. If it involves a reportable offense, Class 6 felony.

False reporting: Class 1 misdemeanor.

Reporting phone number: 888-767-2445

Arkansas

Statute: §§12-12-507(b)-(c); 12-12-518(b)(1)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§12-12-504(a),(b),(d)

Failure to report: Class C misdemeanor. Civilly liable for damages proximately caused.

False reporting: Class A misdemeanor. Class D felony, when there is a prior conviction.

Reporting phone number: 800-482-5964

California

Statute: Penal Code: §§11166(a),(c); 11165.7(a)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: Penal §§11166(b); 11172(a)

Failure to report: misdemeanor: confinement in county jail not exceeding 6 months; and/or a fine not exceeding $1,000.

False reporting: liable for damages proximately caused.

Reporting phone number: 916-445-2771

Colorado

Statute: §§19-3-304(1),(2),(2.5); 19-3-311

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§19-3-304(3.5)(4)

Failure to report: Class 3 misdemeanor; liable for damages.

False reporting: Class 3 misdemeanor; liable for damages.

Connecticut

Statute: §§17a-101(b); 17a-101a

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§17a-101a; 17a-101e(c)

Failure to report: A fine not exceeding $500. Required to participate in a training program.

False reporting: A fine not exceeding $2,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than one year.

Reporting number: 800-842-2288

Delaware

Statute: tit. 16 §§903; 909

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: Tit. 16, §914

Failure to report: A fine not exceeding $1,000 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days.

False reporting: A fine not exceeding $1,000 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days.

Reporting phone number: 800-292-9582

District of Columbia

Statute: §§4-1321.02(a),(b),(d); 4-1321.05

Statute does not specify clergy.

Penalties:

Statute: §4-1321.07

Failure to report: A fine not exceeding $100 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days.

Reporting phone number: 877-671-7233

Florida

Statute: §§39.201(1); 39.204

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§39.205(1)-(2), (6); 39.206(1)

Failure to report: 1^st degree misdemeanor.

False reporting: 3^rd degree felony; possible fine not exceeding $10,000.

Reporting phone number: 800-962-2873

Georgia

Statute: §§19-7-5(c)(1),(g); 16-12-100(c)

Statute does not specify clergy.

Penalties:

Statute: §19-7-5(h)

Failure to report: Misdemeanor.

Hawaii

Statute: §§350-1.1(a); 350-5

Statute does not specify clergy.

Penalties:

Statute: §350-1.2

Failure to report: Petty misdemeanor.

Idaho

Statute: §§16-1619(a),(c); 16-1620

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§16-1619(d); 16-1620A

Failure to report: Misdemeanor

False reporting: Liable for damages sustained or statutory damages of $500, whichever is greater, plus attorney’s fees and costs.

Reporting number: 800-926-2588

Illinois

Statute: 325 ILCS 5/4; 720 ILCS 5/11-20.2

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: ch. 325 para. 5/4; 5/4.02

Failure to report: Class A misdemeanor for first violation; Class 4 felony for subsequent violation.

False reporting: offense of disorderly conduct for a first violation; Class 4 felony for subsequent violation.

Reporting phone number: 800-252-2873

Indiana

Statute: §§31-33-5-1; 31-33-5-2; 31-32-11-1

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§31-33-22-1; 31-33-22-3(a)-(b)

Failure to report: Class B misdemeanor.

False reporting: Class A misdemeanor; liable for actual damages and possibly punitive damages; Class D felony, if there is a prior conviction.

Reporting phone number: 800-800-5556

Iowa

Statute: §§232.69(1)(a)-(b); 728.14(1); 232.74

Statute does not specify clergy.

Penalties:

Statute: §232.75

Failure to report: Simple misdemeanor; civilly liable for damages proximately caused.

False reporting: Simple misdemeanor.

Reporting phone number: 800-362-2178

Kansas

Statute: §38-1522(a),(b)

Statute does not specify clergy.

Penalties:

Statute: §38-1522(f),(g)

Failure to report: Class B misdemeanor.

Reporting phone number: 800-922-5330

Kentucky

Statute: §§620.030(1), (2); 620.050(3)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§620.990(1); 620.050(1)

Failure to report: Class B misdemeanor.

False reporting: Class A misdemeanor.

State reporting phone number: 800-752-6200

Louisiana

Statute: Ch. Code art. 603(13); 609(A)(1); 610(F)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: Children’s Code Ann. Art. 609(A)(2),(C)

Failure to report: Subject to criminal prosecution.

False reporting: Subject to criminal prosecution.

Reporting phone number: 225-342-6832

Maine

Statute: Tit. 22, §§4011-A(1);4015

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: Tit. 22, §4014(1)

False reporting: Subject to criminal or civil action.

Reporting phone number: 800-452-1999

Maryland

Statute: Family Law §§5-704(a); 5-705(a)(1)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Reporting phone number: 800-332-6347

Massachusetts

Statute: Ch. 119, §§51A; 51B

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: Ch. 119, §51A

Failure to report: A fine not exceeding $1,000/

False reporting: A fine not exceeding $1,000.

Reporting phone number: 800-792-5200

Michigan

Statute: §§722.623; 722.623(1),(8); 722.631

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §722.633(1),(2),(5)

Failure to report: Misdemeanor: Imprisonment not exceeding 93 days and/or fine not exceeding $500; civilly liable for damages proximately caused.

False reporting: Misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment of not more than 93 days and/or a fine of not more than $100, if the abuse reported would be a misdemeanor if true; Felony, if the abuse reported would be a felony if true, punishable by imprisonment of not more than 4 years and/or a fine of not more than $2,000

Reporting phone number: 800-942-4357

Minnesota

Statute: §626.556 Subd. 3(a), 8

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §626.556 Subd. 5, 6

Failure to report: misdemeanor. Imprisonment not exceeding 2 years and/or fine not exceeding $4,000.

False reporting: Civilly liable for actual and punitive damages; responsible for costs and reasonable attorney fees.

Reporting phone number: 651-291-0211

Mississippi

Statute: §43-21-353(1)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §43-21-353(7)

Failure to report: Imprisonment not exceeding 1 year and/or a fine not exceeding $5,000.

Reporting phone number: 800-222-8000

Missouri

Statute: §§210.115; 210.115(1); 568.110; 210.140

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §210.165(1)-(3)

Failure to report: Class A misdemeanor.

False reporting: Class A misdemeanor; Class D felony if previously convicted.

Reporting phone number: 800-392-3738

Montana

Statute: Mont. Code Ann. §§41-3-201(2)(h), (4)(b); 41-3-201(1)-(2), (4)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§41-3-207; 41-3-203(1)

Failure to report: Misdemeanor; civilly liable for damages proximately caused.

False reporting: Civilly liable for damages.

Reporting phone number: 866-820-5437

Nebraska

Statute: §§28-711(1); 28-714

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§28-716; 28-717

Failure to report: Class 3 misdemeanor.

False reporting: Subject to criminal or civil action.

Reporting phone number: 800-652-1999

Nevada

Statute: Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§432B.220(3)(d); 432B.220(3),(5); 432B.250

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §432B.240

Failure to report: Misdemeanor.

Reporting phone number: 800-992-5757

New Hampshire

Statute: §§169-C:29; 169-C:32

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §169-C:39

Failure to report: Misdemeanor.

Reporting phone number: 800-894-5533

New Jersey

Statute: §9:6-8.10

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §9:6-8.14

Failure to report: Imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.

Reporting phone number: 800-792-8610

New Mexico

Statute: §§32A-4-3(A); 32A-4-5(A)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §32A-4-3(F)

Failure to report: misdemeanor.

Reporting phone number: 800-797-3260

New York

Statute: Soc. Serv. Law §413(1)

Statute does not specify clergy.

Penalties:

Statute: Soc. Serv. §420

Penal: §240.50(4)

Failure to report: Class A misdemeanor; civilly liable for damages proximately caused.

False reporting: Class A misdemeanor.

Reporting phone number: 800-342-3720

North Carolina

Statute: §§7B-301; 7B-310

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties: not discussed.

North Dakota

Statute: N.D. Cent. Code §50-25.1-03(1); 50-25.1-03; 50-25.1-10

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §50-25.1-13

Failure to report: Class B misdemeanor.

False reporting: Class B misdemeanor; Class A misdemeanor if made to a law enforcement official; civilly liable for damages.

Reporting phone number: 701-328-2316

Ohio

Statute: §2151.421(A)(1),(A)(2),(G)(1)(b)

Statute specifies “religious healers”. Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§2151.421(A),(G),(H); 2921.14

Failure to report: none specified.

False reporting: Misdemeanor of 1^st degree; reasonable attorney’s fees and costs in any civil action.

Oklahoma

Statute: Tit. 10, §§7103(A)(1); 7104; 7113; tit. 21, §1021.4

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: tit. 10, 7103(C),(D)

Failure to report: Misdemeanor.

False reporting: Misdemeanor: a fine not to exceed $5,000 if made during a child custody proceeding.

Reporting phone number: 800-522-3511

Oregon

Statute: Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§419B.005(3)(h); 419B.005(3); 419B.010(1)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §419B.010(3)

Failure to report: Class A violation.

Reporting phone number: 800-854-3508; Ext. 2402

Pennsylvania

Statute: 23 Pa. §6311(a),(b)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: 23 PCSA §6319

Failure to report: Summary offense for first violation. Misdemeanor of 3^rd degree for second or subsequent violation.

Reporting phone number: 800-932-0313

Rhode Island

Statute: §§40-11-3(a); 40-11-6(a); 40-11-11

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§40-11-6.1; 40-11-3.2

Failure to report: Misdemeanor: A fine not exceeding $500 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year; civilly liable for damages proximately caused.

False reporting: Misdemeanor: A fine not exceeding $1,000 and/or imprisonment not exceeding one year.

Reporting phone number: 800-742-4453

South Carolina

Statute: §§20-7-510(A); 20-7-550

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§20-7-560; 20-7-567

Failure to report: Misdemeanor: a fine not exceeding $500 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.

False reporting: Misdemeanor: a fine not exceeding $5,000 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days.

Reporting phone number: 803-898-7318

South Dakota

Statute: §§26-8A-3; 26-8A-15

Statute does not specify clergy.

Penalties:

Statute: §§26-8A-3; 26-8A-6; 26-8A-7

Failure to report: Class 1 misdemeanor.

Reporting phone number: 605-773-3227

Tennessee

Statute: §§37-1-403(a); 37-1-605(a);37-1-411

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§37-1-412(a);37-1-413

Failure to report: Class A misdemeanor. If pleads guilty before a court, fine limited to $50.

False reporting: Class E felony (only applies to sexual abuse reporting).

Reporting phone number: 877-237-0004

Texas

Statute: Family Code §§261.101; 261.101(a)-(c); 261.102

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: Fam. §§261.107(a)-(b); 261.109

Failure to report: Class B misdemeanor.

False reporting: Class A misdemeanor; state jail felony, if there is a prior conviction.

Reporting phone number: 800-252-5400

Utah

Statute: §§62A-4a-403;62A-4a-403(1)-(3); 62A-4a-412(5)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §62A-4a-411

Failure to report: Class B misdemeanor.

Reporting phone number: 800-678-9399

Vermont

Statute: Tit. 33, §4913(a),(f)-(h)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: tit.33, §4913(e)

Failure to report: A fine not exceeding $500; imprisonment of not more than 6 months and/or a fine not exceeding $1,000.

Reporting phone number: 800-649-5285

Virginia

Statute: §§63.2-1509(A); 63.2-1519

Statute does not specify clergy.

Penalties:

Statute: §§63.2-1509(D); 63.2-1513(A)

Failure to report: A fine not exceeding $500 for first violation; a fine of no less than $100 nor exceeding $1,000 for subsequent violations.

False reporting: Class 1 misdemeanor; Class 6 felony, if there is a prior conviction.

Reporting phone number: 800-552-7096

Washington

Statute: Wash. Rev. Code Ann. §§26.44.030(7); 26.44.030(1), (2); 26.44.060(3)

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §§26.44.080; 26.44.060(4)

Failure to report: Gross misdemeanor.

False reporting: misdemeanor.

Reporting phone number: 866-363-4276

West Virginia

Statute: §§49-6A-2; 49-6A-7

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties:

Statute: §49-6A-8

Failure to report: Misdemeanor: imprisonment in county jail not exceeding 10 days and/or a fine not exceeding $100.

Reporting phone number: 800-352-6513

Wisconsin

Statute: §48.981(2), (2m)(c)-(e)

Statute does not specify clergy.

Penalties:

Statute: §48.981(6)

Failure to report: A fine not exceeding $1,000 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.

Reporting phone number: 608-266-3036

Wyoming

Statute: §§14-3-205(a); 14-3-210

Must report: Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional/mental injury, and abandonment.

Penalties: not specified.

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Abuse Signs

Some behavioral signs of sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, or neglect include:

reluctant to change clothes in front of others
exhibits sexualized behavior; unusual sexual behavior and/or knowledge beyond that which is common for his or her particular developmental stage
is withdrawn
is overly eager to please
views abuse as being warranted
is excessively anxious
unprovoked fits of yelling or screaming
wary of adults
either extremely aggressive or withdrawn
begs or steals food

Complete list see Block D2 – Child Protection in the Church.

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Allegations of Misconduct

When an allegation of misconduct is made against a church leader or pastor, the church needs to have a strategic plan in place. Some items that are included in this strategic plan include:

Notify the parents of the victim, and take any necessary steps to assure the child’s safety until the parents arrive. The safety of the victim must be the church’s primary concern.
Do not confront the accused abuser with anger and hostility. Treat him or her with dignity, but immediately remove him or her from further involvement with children or youth.
Notify the proper law enforcement or child protective services agency.
Notify your state ministry office (if staff or volunteer is involved), the church’s insurance agent, and the church’s attorney.
Keep a written record of the steps taken by the church in response.
Call upon your designated spokesperson to make any necessary statements or responses to the news media.
Prepare a brief and honest statement that can be made to the congregation without giving unnecessary details, placing blame, interfering with the victim’s privacy, or violating any confidentiality concerns.
Be prepared to cooperate fully with investigation conducted by law enforcement officials or child protective services.

For complete guidelines for strategic plan development see Block D2 – Child Protection in the Church.

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Amber Alert

Amber Alert was developed in Texas in memory of Amber Hagerman who was abducted and murdered. The U.S. Department of Justice recommends the criteria listed below for AMBER Alert programs nationwide:

There is reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred.
The abduction is of a child age 17 years or younger.
The law-enforcement agency believes that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
There is enough descriptive information about the victim and the abduction for law enforcement to issue an AMBER Alert to assist in the recovery of the child.
The child’s name and other critical data elements, including the Child Abduction flag, have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

If these criteria are met, alert information must be put together for public distribution. This information can include descriptions and pictures of the missing child, the suspected abductor, a suspected vehicle, and any other information available and valuable to identifying the child and suspect.

· The benefits of the Amber Alert system include:

Its free;
It encourages participation between natural adversaries, law enforcement and media by drawing on their inherent strengths;
It promotes accountability by creating the foundation of a comprehensive missing child protocol;
It is an effective time critical response to kidnappers who can disappear with children at the rate of a mile a minute;
It sends a powerful message to wanna-be kidnappers that this is a community that cares about and protects children;
It saves lives.

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Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act

In 1999 the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) was passed by Congress to protect children under the age of 13 from being solicited or contacted by pedophiles while they are online. The act applies to commercial websites and online services that direct their collection of information primarily to children under the age of 13. The act requires these websites to contact parents notifying them of the websites policies with respect to the collection, use and disclosure of children’s personal information.

The act expressly states that it applies to commercial websites and not to nonprofits. Therefore, churches are not required to comply with the act, the Federal Trade Commission encourages them to set an example by posting privacy policies and providing the protections set forth in COPPA to children and parents providing personal information at their sites.

The Federal Trade Commission attorney points out that in a civil lawsuit brought by a minor who is molested by a pedophile, a church may be sued for not complying with COPPA. While compliance is not necessary, it is possible that a court would conclude that COPPA establishes a “standard of reasonable care.” So, while most nonprofit organizations (including churches) are not subject to COPPA, there are reasons why they might want to voluntarily comply.

Another safety issue that churches sometimes don’t consider is putting children’s and youth’s pictures on their websites. No child or youth should have their picture placed on the church’s website without the permission of the parent and it is best that this is written permission.

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Female Predators

There are 3 basic types of female predators: teacher/lover; predisposed, and/or male-coerced. For a full description of each see Block D2 – Child Protection in the Church or Protecting Your Children from Sexual Predators by Dr. Leigh Baker.

Female offenders generally have lower income levels and lower occupational status.
Female offenders are less residentially stable.
Female offenders are on the average younger than male offenders.
Female offenders are less likely to exhibit other aggressive forms of antisocial behavior.
Female offenders have more traumatic childhood histories, including a higher degree of sexual abuse within their immediate family.
Female offenders are less likely to admit that their sexual acts were abusive.
Women use a victim stance more often than men and tend to blame their offensive behaviors on men.
Women are more likely than men to be involved with co-offenders even if they started the abuse on their own.
Women tend to romanticize the abusive relationship more than men.

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Injuries

See Abuse Injuries

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Instruments of Abuse

See Abuse Instruments

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Male Predators

There are multiple types of male predators. They include: regressed, child molester, morally indiscriminate, sexually indiscriminate, inadequate, seduction, introverted, sadistic, narcissistic, antisocial, and pedophile. For a full description of each see Block D2 – Child Protection in the Church, Kenneth Lanning’s Child Molesters: a Behavior Analysis, or Dr. Leigh Baker’s Protecting Your Children from Sexual Predators.

Kenneth Lanning breaks the various types of predators into 2 categories: situational child molesters and preferential child molesters.

Lanning describes the characteristics of the Preferential Child Molester as follows (Preferential Child Molesters are considered pedophiles because of their preference for children and the large quantity of victims.):

1. Long-term and persistent pattern of behavior

a. Sexual abuse in background

b. Limited social contact as teenagers

c. Premature separation from military

d. Frequent and unexpected moves

e. Prior arrests

f. Multiple victims

g. Planned, repeated, or high-risk attempts

2. 2. Children as Preferred Sexual Objects

a. Over 25, single, never married

b. Live alone or with parents

c. Limited dating relationships if not married

d. If married, “special” relationship with spouse

e. Excessive interest in children

f. Associates and circle of friends are young

g. Limited peer relationships

h. Age and gender preference

Refers to children as “clean,” “pure,” “innocent,” “impish,” etc., or as

objects

3. Well-developed Techniques in obtaining Victims

Skilled at identifying vulnerable victims

Identifies with children (better than with adults)

Access to children

Activities with children, often excluding other adults

Seduces with attention, affection, and gifts

Skilled at manipulating children

Has hobbies and interests appealing to children

Shows sexually explicit material to children

4. Sexual Fantasies Focusing on Children

Youth-oriented decorations in house or room

Photographing of children

Collecting child pornography or child erotica

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Megan’s Law

In 1996, Megan’s Law became a federal law. It was named after 7 year old Megan Nicole Kanka who was brutally raped and murdered by a neighbor. This neighbor had been twice convicted of attacks on children.

Megan’s Law contains two components:

Sex Offender Registration – This is based on the 1994 Jacob Wetterling Act. It requires states to register those convicted of sex crimes against children. Such a registration law has become necessary because:

Sex offenders pose a high risk of re-offending after release from custody;
Protecting the public from sex offenders is a primary governmental interest;
The privacy interests of persons convicted of sex offenses are less important than the government’s interest in public safety;
Release of certain information about sex offenders to public agencies and the general public will assist in protecting the public safety.

Community Notification – This allows states discretion to establish criteria for disclosure, but it also compels states to make private and personal information available on registered sex offenders. The purpose of community notification is it:

Assists law enforcement in investigations;
Establishes legal grounds to hold known offenders;
Deters sex offenders from committing new offenses;
Offers citizens information they can use to protect children from victimization.

It has been a misconception by the public that Megan’s Law mandates active community notification of a convicted sex offender moving into their community. The federal law requires all 50 states to release information to the public if the states determine it is necessary to protect public safety. However, the federal law does not mandate active notification. If states fail to provide minimal information, they could lose federal crime-fighting funds.

Individuals can access their state’s Megan’s Law information through the following websites:

Alabama

http://community.dps.alabama.gov/

Alaska

http://www.dps.state.ak.us/

Arizona

http://www.azsexoffender.com

Arkansas

http://www.acic.org/Registration/index.htm

California

By county

Colorado

http://sor.state.o.us

Connecticut

http://www.state.ct.us/dps

Delaware

http://www.state.de.us/dsp/sexoff

Florida

http://www.flsexoffender.net

Georgia

http://www.ganet.org/gbi/disclaim.html

Hawaii

Email gov@gov.state.hi.us

Idaho

http://www.isp.state.id.us/identification/sex_offender/index.html

Illinois

http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/frames.htm

Indiana

http://www.state.in.us/serv/cji_sor

Iowa

http://www.state.ia.us/government/dps/dci/isor

http://www.iowasexoffenders.com

Kansas

http://www.accesskansas.org/kbi/ro.htm

Kentucky

http://kspsor.state.ky.us/

Louisiana

http://www.lsp.org

Maine

None listed

Maryland

http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/onlineservs/socem/default.shtml

Massachusetts

http://www.state.ma.us/sorb/community.htm

Michigan

http://www.mipsor.state.mi.us

Minnesota

http://www.doc.state.mn.us/

Mississippi

http://www.sor.mdps.state.ms.us/

Missouri

http://www.jcsd.org/offenders.htm

Montana

http://doj.mt.gov/svor

Nebraska

http://www.nsp.state.ne.us/sor/find.cfm

Nevada

None listed

New Hampshire

http://www.state.nh.us/safety/nhsp/

New Jersey

http://www.njsp.org/info/reg_sexoffend.html

New Mexico

http://www.nmsexoffender.com

New York

http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/index.htm

North Carolina

http://sexoffender.ncdoj.gov

North Dakota

http://www.ndsexoffender.com

Ohio

http://www.drc.state.oh.us/search2.htm

Oklahoma

http://www.tulsapolice.org/sexreg/default.asp

Oregon

http://www.doc.state.or.us

Pennsylvania

http://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us

Rhode Island

None listed

South Carolina

None listed

South Dakota

http://www.sor.sd.gov

Tennessee

http://www.tbi.state.tn.us

Texas

http://records.txdps.state.tx.us/

Utah

http://corrections.utah.gov/community/sexoffenders/

Vermont

http://www.dps.state.vt.us/cjs/s_registry.htm

Virginia

http://www.sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/

Washington

By county

Washington D.C.

http://www.mpcd.org/

Wisconsin

http://offender.doc.state.wi.us/public/

Wyoming

http://attorneygeneral.state.wy.us/dci/so/so_registration.html

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Misconduct, Allegation

See Allegation of Misconduct

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Molester, Preferential

Kenneth Lanning defines preferential child molesters as:

The Preferential Child Molesters have a definite sexual preference for children. They have sex with children not because of some situational stress or insecurity but because they are sexually attracted to and prefer children. Although they may be smaller in number than the Situational Child Molester, they have the potential to molest large numbers of victims. For many of them, their problem is not only the nature of the sex drive (attraction to children) but also the quantity (need for frequent and repeated sex with children). They usually have age and gender preferences for their victims.

The types of molesters that fall into this category include:

Seduction
Introverted
Sadistic

For a detailed description of each type see Block D2 – Child Protection in the Church or Kenneth Lanning’s Child Molesters: a Behavior Analysis.

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Molesters, Situational

Kenneth Lanning defines situational child molesters as:

The Situational Child Molester does not have a true sexual preference for children, but engages in sex with children for varied and sometimes complex reasons. The Situational Child Molester usually has fewer numbers of different child victims. Other vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, sick, or the disabled, may also be at a risk of sexual victimization by him or her. Members of lower socioeconomic groups tend to be overrepresented among Situational Child Molesters.

The types of molesters that fall into this category include:

Regressed
Morally indiscriminate
Sexually indiscriminate
Inadequate

For a detailed description of each type see Block D2 – Child Protection in the Church or Kenneth Lanning’s Child Molesters: a Behavior Analysis.

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Predators

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Predators, Female

See Female Predators

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Predators, Male

See Male Predators

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Preferential Molester

See Molester, Preferential

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Protection Policies

Child protection policies need to include:

screening process for paid and/or volunteer workers
education of workers and congregation
ways to eliminate negligent supervision
children/youth worker’s policy statement
reporting procedures
strategic plan for handling allegations of misconduct
applications for paid and/or volunteer workers

For detailed guidelines for protection policies development see Block D2 – Child Protection in the Church.

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Red Flags

In Megan’s Law Nationwide and …The Apple of My Eye…Childhood Sexual Abuse Prevention Program, Laura A. Ahearn lists the following red flags that parents, children’s workers, and church leaders should be aware of:

1. Someone who wants to spend more time with your child than you.

2. Someone who manages to get time alone with, or attempts to be alone with your child or other children.

3. Someone who insists on hugging, touching, kissing, tickling, wrestling or holding a child, even when a child doesn’t want this affection.

4. Someone who is overly interested in the sexuality of a child or teen and asks either the parents or the child sexually-oriented question.

5. Someone who relates extremely well to children and spends most of his/her spare time with them and has little interest in spending time with individuals their own age.

6. Someone who has few or no boundaries and does not respect the limits of their role in their relationship with children.

7. Someone who regularly offers to baby-sit, help-out or takes children on day or overnight outings alone.

8. Someone who buys expensive gifts or gives children money for no reason.

9. Someone who frequently walks in on children/teens in the bathroom or in the locker room while they are showering or changing.

10. Someone who goes to parks, beaches, or public places where children congregate and spends an exorbitant amount of time staring or taking photographs of children for no apparent reason. You should be suspicious of anyone attempting to photograph your child without your consent.

11. Someone who inappropriately makes comments about the way your child looks.

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Reporting Requirements

See Abuse, Reporting Requirements

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Signs of Abuse

See Abuse, Signs

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Situational Molesters

See Molesters, Situational

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Training

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Training Adult Workers

Laura A. Ahearn has also created a list of those things all parents and workers with children should know. These include:

1. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security – know what resources are available under Megan’s Law and know its limits.

2. Know who the predators really are and what they count on.

3. Teach your child the ten rules of safety.

4. Establish and model boundaries early.

5. Know the tricks and lures sexual predators use.

6. Know the red flags to help identify who the predators are.

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Training Children

Following is a list of rules that can be taught to children as early as four or five. Laura A. Ahearn created the list of rules and they can be found in her book, Megan’s Law Nationwide and…The Apple of My Eye…Childhood Sexual Abuse Prevention Program.

Rule 1: Know who you are and where you live

Rule 2: Know what to do when lost in a store

Rule 3: Be able to identify your body parts

Rule 4: Check first before accepting gifts or going anywhere with anyone even if they are someone you know

Rule 5: Trust your inner voice, especially that yucky feeling

Rule 6: Don’t be too polite

Rule 7: No secrets allowed

Rule 8: Say no and tell when touch is not ok

Rule 9: Don’t give personal information out on the internet

Rule 10: Take action! It’s your right

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Training Parents

Laura A. Ahearn has also created a list of those things all parents and workers with children should know. These include:

1. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security – know what resources are available under Megan’s Law and know its limits.

2. Know who the predators really are and what they count on.

3. Teach your child the ten rules of safety.

4. Establish and model boundaries early.

5. Know the tricks and lures sexual predators use.

6. Know the red flags to help identify who the predators are.

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Tricks

The following list of tricks or lures that predators use on children should be actively taught to children and parents. The list was compiled from collections gathered by the following authors:

Laura A. Ahearn: Megan’s Law Nationwide and …The Apple of My Eye… Childhood Sexual Abuse Prevention Program

Kenneth Wooden: Child Lures: What Every Parent and Child Should Know About Preventing Sexual Abuse and Abduction

The apple of my eye trick

All children want love, attention and affection, this is why they are particularly vulnerable to those who are experts at grooming them to lead to their eventual sexual abuse.

Detecting parental guilt/inadequacy trick

Predators look for parents that are overworked or have to be out of town a lot and offer to help fill in.

Accidental touching trick

Children are often unaware that an accidental touching may be intentional or may be an offender attempting to touch.

Assistance tricks

Offenders may ask a child for help with directions or carrying packages. Another type of assistance lure may be an offender who senses a role he might play by assisting a family with children. His assistance might be needed for babysitting or for driving a child to activities. Watch for those who are more interested in your child than you, there is a reason.

Authority trick

Many of us have taught our children to respect authority without realizing that individuals who target our children take advantage of their position such as a teacher, coach, religious or club leader.

Bathroom trick

A predator may hang out in mall or child-friendly restaurant bathrooms under the guise of helping young boys with zippers.

Costume trick

Some predators use amusement park or mascot costumes to touch children inappropriately.

Desensitization trick

Offenders may continually talk to children about sex or use pornography to demonstrate sexual acts. They may arouse a child’s curiosity by leaving sexual material and aids around where they may see them.

Divide and conquer trick

The offender may have a variety of video games in their garage where neighborhood children will gather and he will tell them they don’t have to go home when their parents call for them.

Driving instructor trick

The offender uses the confine space for inappropriate touching.

Drug & alcohol trick

Drugs or alcohol can be used to incapacitate a child making them highly vulnerable to sexual abuse.

Emergency trick

Crisis can be confusing for young children and offenders count on that so they construct an emergency to lure children.

Fame trick

Promises are made to make the child a movie star.

Friendship trick

Older children may bribe a younger child (or same age) by saying that they will not be their friend anymore unless they participate in a sexual act.

Games trick

Body contact games such as wrestling are played where touching genitalia is part of the rules.

“I know you” trick

Do not write your child’s name on the outside of any of their clothing or items they use outside of their home such as umbrellas or lunchboxes. This gives the offender an opportunity to make your child feel as though they know them.

Internet trick

The internet has become a preying ground for sex offenders trying to lure victims. Offenders will try to get specific information from your child without directly asking for it.

Job trick

Promises of high paying jobs easily influence young adults into meeting individuals in questionable places for interviews where they may be sexually abused. Young children may be offered high pay for odd jobs inside an offender’s house where they too may be sexually abused.

Legitimacy trick

There are a few organizations that promote sexual relations with children and attempt to legitimize this activity. Those offenders may attempt to convince a child that sex with an adult is a legitimate activity.

Outing trick

This could include camping trips or trips with children without other adults.

Pet trick

Help finding a lost pet.

Photographer trick

Convinces parent that child has future as model.

Rescuing single women with children trick

Similar to guilty parent trick.

Teaching trick

Private music lessons, sport lessons, etc.

Threat trick

Usually by older children threatening younger children about what will happen if they tell.

Hero lure

Coach, teacher, pastor, etc. – someone the child looks up to.

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