Holy Ghost on vacation...again...

[_Drifting]

Also, you have shown no empathy towards either this woman or the 9 year old girl - why?

I have already said that I believe the nine year old girl. But proof will still need to be shown. Now the irish woman I am not so sure about. 3 years is a long time to report abuse. And her story seems a little strange. But again, proof will need to be shown. If not, everyone is doomed to experiencing a false accusation.

Let me put it this way: you have concentual sex with a woman. 3 days later she claims that you abused her sexually but you didn't. The police arrest you and throw away the key. Sound good?

Saying you 'believe' the girl isn't a display of empathy.

If the Church settles these cases out of court (as is the norm) would you consider the case proven?

[_why me]

Saying you 'believe' the girl isn't a display of empathy.

If the Church settles these cases out of court (as is the norm) would you consider the case proven?

No. It depends on whether proof was shown. An accusation is just that, an accusation. Now lets take the Irish woman. What is the proof that abuse occured? Are there medical records? Are there photographs? Is there DNA? If it is her word against his word, well, that is not proof.

[_Drifting]

Saying you 'believe' the girl isn't a display of empathy.

If the Church settles these cases out of court (as is the norm) would you consider the case proven?

No. It depends on whether proof was shown. An accusation is just that, an accusation. Now lets take the Irish woman. What is the proof that abuse occured? Are there medical records? Are there photographs? Is there DNA? If it is her word against his word, well, that is not proof.

So you believe that the Church would settle out of court even if the person/people they are defending were innocent? Really?

[_why me]

So you believe that the Church would settle out of court even if the person/people they are defending were innocent? Really?

http://angiemedia.com/2009/09/21/father ... e-charges/

http://angiemedia.com/2009/04/22/man-fa ... ork-state/

I don't support this website but do list the stories as injustice because these people were falsely accused of something that they did not do. At least so it seems.

[_why me]

So you believe that the Church would settle out of court even if the person/people they are defending were innocent? Really?

yes, I do. How can such a case be proven? There must be witnesses and collaboration. But if none is found, it doesn't mean that the person being accused is found innocent. There are many stories of lies and corruption to get a conviction.

We mostly tend to support the person making the accusation.

[_Drifting]

So you believe that the Church would settle out of court even if the person/people they are defending were innocent? Really?

http://angiemedia.com/2009/09/21/father ... e-charges/

http://angiemedia.com/2009/04/22/man-fa ... ork-state/

I don't support this website but do list the stories as injustice because these people were falsely accused of something that they did not do. At least so it seems.

Bump. To see if you'll answer the question I actually asked...

[_Jonah]

3 years is a long time to report abuse.

I can't let this slide. Most cases of child abuse are NEVER reported. From my experience, the abuse went unreported for a number of reasons - - fear, guilt, shame, delusion that it was her fault, didn't want to break up a family, etc. The abused girl that I know kept quiet for quite some time. She "released" her story one evening after watching her parents arguing triggered something within her. Because of the seriousness, sickness, and ramifications of such a crime, many victims don't feel comfortable about coming out about their ordeal even many years later as adults. Sure, in a fairy tale world, it would be nice if the abused would come forward within minutes or hours of such abuse. That isn't reality though pal.

So what basis do you have for saying "3 years is a long time to report abuse"? What studies or analysis do you have to back that up? Any personal experience? Just what exact time frame have you established in your own mind that would be appropriate time for reporting abuse? What experience or education AT ALL do you have in an abuse matter? Because let me tell you, MY experience comes first-hand. I have knowledge I NEVER asked for and wish I NEVER knew. Unfortunately, I will NEVER get it out of my head either. My horror though PALES in comparison to the victim. I feel so very sorry for her and for her stolen innocence. She is now in her early 30's. Has not had contact with her father for at least 10 years. Still has a chilling fear of him. Still sleeps with a light on. Three years is a long time to report abuse?? PFFFFFFFT!!

And her story seems a little strange. But again, proof will need to be shown. If not, everyone is doomed to experiencing a false accusation.

Strange or not, kids/people usually don't make this stuff up. Through my ordeal I recall reading a study that indicated approximately 3-5% of all rape or child molestation allegations that are reported are false...That would make nearly 95% based on fact. Why is it of no surprise to me that you seem to fall in support of the 3-5%. Wow.

[_Drifting]

This is what the UK's National Society for the Prevention of Crueslty to Children does to support organizations to improve child safety and protection.

Module one
Assessing current practice in keeping children safe
Will help familiarise participants with the Safe Network's four core standards, assess current practice for keeping children safe and begin the process of developing an action plan to address gaps in policies, procedures and systems for each standard.

Module two
Safer staff and volunteers: recruitment
Will make participants aware of good practice in the safe recruitment, selection and induction of staff and volunteers.

Module three
Protecting children from abuse
Will enable participants to consider key issues in relation to protecting children and become aware of steps to follow when there are any concerns.

Module four
Preventing and responding to bullying
Identifies good practice in preventing and responding to bullying.

Module five
Running safe activities and avoiding accidents
Enables organisations to identify ways in which accidents in the workplace can be prevented. Supports the development of policy and procedures, and their implementation into everyday practice.

Can anyone point to a single thing that the Church is actively doing to help and support local leaders improve child safety?

or

Is it easier to point to things that the Church is doing to improve profitability?