Recognizing Signs of Abuse
It's easy to tell when a child gets beat up. They might have a black eye, bloodied lip, bruised arms or legs, etc. It isn't that easy to detect when a child is being sexually or emotionall - or spiritually - abused. Clicking on the link above will take you to a page with information on how to recognize the not-so-obvious signs that a child might be being abused.
Reporting Possible Abuse
If you see some of those signs listed on the Recognizing Signs of Abuse page, then what should you do. This page gives information on reporting suspected child abuse - either mandated or mandated. The most important thing to remember here is that any suspicions of abuse must be reported. Witnesses or concerned citizens are advised not to do their own investigations of possible abuse - and that goes for the church hierarchy as well. At the first hint that a child may be being abused, the civil authorities and child protection agency need to be called immediately so that they can do the investigating. Callers always have the option of remaining anonymous and are only asked to give whatever information they have about the situation. Click on the link above for more information.
Empowering the Vulnerable
One of the best tools in fighting child abuse is to empower children to recognize abuse for what it is and to give them permission and self-confidence to protect themselves from abuse. This page highlights some ways of empowering individuals by recognizing their own dignity and worth. This tips will not only help kids keep safe, but also help them live healthy and productive lives which is a benefit for all of society. .
Ten Things Average People Can Do To Make Children's Lives Better
Toppling the Pedestal
We've heard the whispers in the pews and at family gatherings, "I know it's wrong but he's a priest and once a priest, always a priest". We've also seen false teaching spread around by pew monkeys about never correcting a priest, even when he is hurting a child. These people truly believe that they will go to hell if they challenge a priest in any way. Their recommended response to a priest involved in grave sin is to "turn the other way and say a prayer for him". And then we have the really over-the-top ones who actually bow or genuflect when they see the bishop. Yikes!
This is no joke. It is attitudes like these that have contributed to the rape, sexual assault and torture of tens of thousands of children across the globe. Priests are not God - not even during the consecration of the bread and wine. They are imperfect human beings and they are never, ever God, Jesus, Peter, or Moses. They are sinners, just like the rest of us, even - and sometimes especially - the pope. This page will prove that by pulling away the veil of deception and ripping the clothes off the emporer, figuratively speaking.
Child Protection Programs
There are wonderful programs out there designed specifically so that kids will be safe. We will explore on this page organizations, curricula, and law-enforcement programs that are being implemented across the country. This is a positive page because visitors - especially the ones familiar with the Catholic church - will see that there are plenty of adults out there who do "get it" and care enough to do something about it.
Petitions
This page will include petitions to legislators, governors, the Obama Administration, Church officials, the media, schools, clubs, etc. Every human being has a God-given right to live their life without being sexually assaulted. However, 1 in 4 girls is assaulted as well as 1 in 6. That is a violation of their civil rights and it must stop. It is incumbent upon the adults of society to stand up for those rights and we will do so - in part - by petitioning those who have the power to stop abuse.
Companions in Hope
P. O. Box 638
Geneva, Illinois 60134
mail@companionsinhope.com
Thank you for your interest and participation.