According to multiple studies, one out of four girls and one out of six boys will be sexually abused before they reach the age of eighteen.1 Protecting the children your organization supports from a sexual perpetrator is paramount in importance. Given the trust-based nature of this crime, it can be very difficult to detect dangerous behavior(s) until it is too late. Almost 90% of child sexual abuse cases involve a perpetrator that the child knows and trusts, such as a care provider, family friend, coach, student leader, or ministry volunteer.2 Taking additional, cost-effective prevention measures that increase your organization’s barriers to this crime remains in the best interests of the children you support.
With respect to your organization’s current policies and procedures, can you answer “yes” to each of the following questions?
1. My organization’s written sexual abuse policy statement clearly defines and prohibits grooming behaviors.
2. Every employee in my organization (and their superiors) that provides for the welfare of children has taken a documented sexual abuse awareness training course.
3. Every hiring manager that screens potential applicants for positions working with (or supervising) children has completed documented training on identifying high risk applicants.
4. My employment application contains specific question(s) designed to elicit high risk response(s).
If you cannot answer “yes” to all of these questions, consider supplementing your current policies and training. Philadelphia Insurance Company has sexual abuse support resources – convenient, easy-to-use, online resources proven to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse in children’s programs. These resources are available to their policyholders with PHLY Abuse Coverage at no additional cost. Click the appropriate link below for more information.
Abuse Prevention Systems was created to serve a full spectrum of child-serving organizations, including youth sports, day care centers, schools, clubs, and other non-profits. Learn more: AbusePreventionSystems.com/PHLY
MinistrySafe was created to meet the unique needs of faith-based organizations, including churches, camps, schools, mission organizations, and other ministry programming. Learn more: MinistrySafe.com/PHLY
Used with permission from Philadelphia Insurance Company.
