Safe Places

Creating a Safe Place for Children

Why does the Seventh-day Adventist Church need a policy on Sexual Abuse?

• Sexual abuse occurs within the Seventh-day Adventist Church
• The Church is called to be a community that expressed God’s love, justice and compassion
• The misuse and exploitation of the power of one person over another is not consistent with Christian values.

The Church has put in place policies to protect members from sexual exploitation and assault. It has also put in place policies to protect Church workers from false allegations.

What is sexual abuse/misconduct?

Sexual abuse & misconduct is a sin against God and a crime under state legislation. The term refers to all sexual behaviours directed at another person which violates his or her personal boundaries and includes:

• Sexual harassment
• Sexual exploitation
• Sexual assault
• Child sexual assault.

Sexual abuse or misconduct means:

• Any form of unwanted sexual behaviour, whether by act or words
• Any form of sexual behaviour involving a minor
• Any form of sexual behaviour that is unacceptable because the factors of power, trust and dependency limit the possibility of the other person involved freely giving consent to the sexual behaviour.

What is the role of the Church’s administration?

The Administration of the Church in the greater Sydney Conference Is committed to:

• Creating awareness within all Church communities of the issues related to sexual abuse and misconduct
• Creating responsible procedures to deal with any situations which may arise
• Protecting all people’s right throughout the investigative process
• Supporting the congregation or group throughout any process of allegation to a point where the issues are resolved and the people can move forward within God’s healing love.

The Children’s Ministries Department provides training on boundaries with children on an annual basis. We encourage all church leaders and anyone involved in working with children to set healthy boundaries to protect themselves and the children they’re working with.

SAFE PLACES TRAINING NEW DATES COMING SOON!

Please RSVP to Suzanne at suzannebocking@adventist.org.au

Coordinator of Safe Place Services: Suzanne Bocking