Keeping Our Children Safe

1. Keeping Our Children Safe Child Sexual Abuse

2. Why this Meeting? • The sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic church has left many people reeling. • Child sexual abuse is an enormous problem in all of society. • One out of four girls and one out of five boys will be violated by the age of 18. • This meeting is mandated by the Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

3. Why? continued • To give parents important information regarding: • Signs and indicators of sexual abuse • Sexual predators • How boundaries are established/violated • How to address fears and stereotypes when facing the topic of child abuse • Law, policies, and procedures for reporting allegations of sexual abuse

4. Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect under Florida Statutes Fl. Stat. Ann. S.S. 415.503,450.151, 827.071 What is Child Abuse? • The harming of a child physically or mentally. It is when a child is threatened with harm, by the acts or omissions of the parent or other person responsible for the child’s welfare or by any person. • Definition: • Child: Anyone 17 years of age or younger

5. Province of Miami Policy on Safe Environment Educational Programs • Each parish and school shall provide an opportunity for parents/guardians to take part in an educational program in the prevention, recognition and reporting of sexual abuse of children and youth. • It is critical that we educate our children and young people regarding their personal safety. Age appropriate information shall be provided to all children and youth involved in Catholic Schools, Parish Religious Education and Youth Ministry Programs in the diocese.

6. What is Sexual Abuse? • The exploitation of a child by either a peer or an adult • Physical and emotional control, seduction, and domination • Physical force is not required • Sexual contact or conduct involves the child’s personal areas (thighs, genitals, buttocks, pubic region, anus, penis, breasts, vagina)

7. What is Sexual Abuse? cont. • Forcing or enticing a child to touch another’s private zones • Showing of pornography taking photos of a child’s personal areas or exposing of the abuser’s private zones to the child

8. Who are Sexual Predators? • Pedophiles.. • Pedophiles’ primary sexual orientation is towards pre-pubescent children-crib to 14 years of age. • Two types of pedophiles: • Exclusive – attracted only to children • Non-exclusive – attracted to children but also has some attraction to adults. • Non-exclusive is often married

9. Pedophile… • Are males or females of all ages • Usually socially immature • Are clever, devious, scheming, and persistent • Have no empathy or consideration for their victims • Do not see their behavior as harmful • Rationalize so they can continue victimizing

10. Sexual Predators • Ephebophiles.. • Ephebophiles’ sexual interest is in pubescent or adolescent children ages 14 – 17. • Have recurrent and intense fantasies about adolescents which are sexually arousing • Two types of ephebophiles: • Regressed – have a primary sexual orientation toward adults of opposite sex but also have a sexual interest in adolescents • Fixated – direct their sexual interest only towards adolescents.

11. Sexual Predators • Are typically an acquaintance or family member • 80% of molested children are abused by a person they know • A child living with a stepfather or mother’s boyfriend is more at risk than in any other situation • 51% of the perpetrators are natural parents • Normally very engaging with the children in front of the parents

12. Sexual Predators… • Will separate the child from the parent • May acquaint themselves with a child at a playground or backyard, where the child feels safe • Will try to win the trust of parent before gaining trust of the child • Are very willing to assist parents • Will gain the confidence of both parent and victim

13. Sexual Predators… • Make the victim feel wanted, needed and understood • Secrecy and silence is reinforced by the abuser with the victim. • Seek victims who have strained relationship with parents

14. Facts • 74% of adolescent victims reported KNOWING THEIR ABUSER WELL • 32.5% of adolescent victims reported that their abusers were FRIENDS • 23.2% of adolescent victims reported that their abusers were STRANGERS • 21.1% of adolescent victims reported that their abusers were FAMILY MEMBERS • Center for Missing and Exploited Children 2006

15. Facts… • 47% of victims under the age of 12 were offended by a FAMILY MEMBER • 49% of victims under the age of 12 were offended by an ACQUAINTANCE • 4% of victims under the age of 12 were offended by a STRANGER (Juvenile Offenders and Victims: 1999 National Report, www.ncjrs.gov)

16. Facts… • 54.3% of assaults against adolescents occurred in the juvenile’s HOME or in their NEIGHBORHOOD • 15.4% of assaults occurred at the victim’s SCHOOL

17. Facts… • STRANGERS are least likely to offend very young children, regardless of location • 71% of sexual assaults against older juveniles occurred in RESIDENCES • 84% of sexual assaults against children under the age of 12 occurred in RESIDENCES. • (Juvenile Offenders and Victims: 1999 National Report, www.ncjrs.gov)

18. Common Myths • Myth #1 - Only girls are sexually abused. Fact is that many sexually abused children are boys, but these abuses are not reported as often. • Myth #2 - Most cases of sexual abuse are reported. Fact is that only 1 in 10 to 1 in 20 are reported, and even fewer are reported if the perpetrator is a relative. • Myth #3 - Perpetrators are usually dirty, old, single, homosexual men. Fact is that the typical offender is married, heterosexual, and employed.

19. Myths… • Myth #4 - The physical injury of the child is the main focus of treatment. Fact is that the greatest injury in abuse may be long term emotional and psychosocial damage. • Myth #5 – Female children can “Seduce” adult male perpetrators. Fact is that an adult is responsible for his actions.

20. Signs and Symptoms • Sleep problems – Insomnia, nightmares, bed-wetting • Stress • Depression • Seductive behavior • Fear of certain adults • Fear of “monsters” • Spacing out at odd times • Vaginal or anal infection • Genital area pain

21. Signs and Symptoms... • Self-destructive behavior • Passive or withdrawn behavior • Sudden mood swings • Inappropriate knowledge of sexual terms or behavior • Sexual aggression • Medical problems or physical complaints • Emotional disturbances • Changes or extremes in behavior – temper tantrums • Drop in academic grades • Disrespect for authority • Precocious sexual knowledge • Secretiveness

22. Signs and Symptoms… • Sex play • Urinary infections • Unexplained bruises, redness, or bleeding of child’s genitals, anus, or mouth • Low self-esteem • Loss of appetite • Simulating sex acts with dolls • Sexual contact or conduct with peers or siblings • References to an “adult friend”

23. Signs and Symptoms… • Inappropriate knowledge of sexual terms • Frequent headaches, stomach aches, or body aches • Feeling fatigue or unmotivated • Heart palpitations or difficulty breathing • Self destructive behaviors • Defiance • Withdrawal and isolation from peers • Suicidal behavior • Running away

24. Additional Areas of Concern • The Internet • Bullying

25. Internet • Social networking sites: • like MySpace.com • Facebook.com • Friendster.com • Blogger.com • Xanga.com • MSN Spaces have gained popularity with pre-teens, teens and young adults.  • Because so many of our youths traffic these sites, they have become a breeding ground for exploitation.

26. Internet facts… • Over 35 million child pornography images have been identified by U.S. law enforcement. • Almost half of those arrested for possession of child pornography had sexually victimized children. • More than one-third of youths use the Internet to chat, email, or IM people they do not know in person • More than one-third of youth internet users have had unwanted exposure to sexual material • Almost one in ten youth internet users have been harassed online. • Internet child pornography has been estimated to be as high as a $20 billion business worldwide.                                  Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 2006

27. Bullying • Survey of youth grades 6-10 • 13% reported bullying others • 11% reported being the target of abuse • 6% said that they bullied others and were bullied themselves • Males more likely to report being hit, slapped, or pushed • Females more likely to be targets of rumors and sexual comments. • Taken from www.safeyouth.org

28. Prevention:Keeping your Child Safe • OPEN COMMUNICATION • Listen, Listen, Listen… • Ask, Ask, Ask… • Communicate, • Communicate, • Communicate • Trust, Trust, Trust

29. Prevention… • Keep open communication with your children • Watch for changes in the child’s behavior or attitude that warrant appropriate intervention • Tell children to inform you immediately if anyone, including peers, approaches them in a sexual way crosses boundaries, or makes them feel uncomfortable

30. Prevention… • Probe into the reasons why a child is depressed, exhibits changes in normal behavior, and so forth • Inquiries should be done without expressing disapproval, disappointment, or dismay • Do not express judgmental comments that can drive the child into deeper secrecy or guilt • Set boundaries with your children and youth.

31. Steps the Diocese Has Taken To Safeguard and Protect Children & Young People • Established a written POLICY (promulgated in May of 1998) which has been revised as of August 2003. • Addressed to “personnel” which includes: • Clergy – priests and deacons • Employees – • Administrative Personnel • Teachers • Counselors • Custodial Personnel • Parish Ministers – CREs/DREs, Catechists, Youth, Music, Eucharistic & Home Visitors, Daycare, After-School Care • Volunteers working with children, youth or vulnerable adults • Policy strives to present clear goals of protecting all persons, particularly children, young people, elderly and disabled persons.

32. Steps the Diocese Has Taken: • Provide a process for more effectively screening all personnel • Fingerprinting • Mandatory workshops • Enforcing policy and the Bishops’ Charter • Zero tolerance of sexual abuse by clergy or personnel • Review board to uphold accountability • National audit of diocese (August 23-27, 2004)

33. Steps the Diocese Has Taken: • Appointed Victim Assistance Coordinators (August 2003) • Pensacola/Ft. Walton – Danielle Malone, MS, LMHC – (850) 438-3131 ext. 17 • Tallahassee/Panama City - James Gagnon, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW – (850) 877-0205 • Diocesan Code of Conduct for Church Personnel and Volunteers • Provide safety and “safe environment” education in schools, parishesand religious education and youth ministry programs.

34. Our Responsibility • The Laws: • Any personnel of the Diocese who know or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been a victim of sexual abuse will and must immediately make any report required by applicable law directly to the Florida Department of Children and Family Services at their Hotline 1-800-962-2873

35. What Is Included In A Report? Information that must be included in when we call the Hotline (1-800-962-2873) • Your name (which will be kept confidential.) May report anonymously (Fl. Stat. S.S. 415.51) • Victim’s name, home address and information regarding parents’ names or the names of those responsible for the victim’s welfare • Victim’s age, sex, race and date of birth • Nature and extent of the abuse or neglect – including evidence of prior injuries • The names of those suspected of being responsible for the abuse • Family composition • Any other information you think would be helpful • Create a “memo” or note for a file regarding your report which includes the name and number of the person receiving your report.

36. Law… • Failing to report a case of child abuse is a 2nd Degree Misdemeanor • Punishable by a fine of up to $500 • A term of imprisonment not to exceed 60 days for those who fail to report child abuse. • False report – 3rd Degree Felony – 5 years in prison and $5,000 fine • When reporting abuse, write down the name of the person taking the report, what you said, and the date and time.

37. Confidentiality Involvement in a case of possible child abuse is a very serious responsibility that is not to be taken lightly.

38. Confidentiality • Requires mature respect for all parties involved. • Gossip destroys reputations and your integrity. • Not even spouses or other close family members need to know. • Confidentiality is • Situation is not discussed with fellow personnel or even necessarily clergy or administration…it is on a “need to know” basis.

39. Our Objectives as a ParishWhen presenting to the children & youth: • We are all created in the image and likeness of God. Our bodies are sacred and holy. • We are blessed with families and loving communities to help us grow • We must differentiate between safe, unsafe, and unwanted touch. • Because we are made in the image of God, we must be treated with dignity and respect. Our bodies are a gift to us from God.

40. Objectives… • The God given gift of choice has consequences • Actions or behaviors that harm self or others physically, psychologically, or spiritually are wrong or sinful • We must differentiate between good and bad play, good and bad secrets, good and bad touch • Learn to recognize good friends from bad friends • Children and youth will know that they have trusted adults here at the parish that they can turn to.