Center Piece: The Official Newsletter of the National Child Protection Training Center. Volume 2, Issue 10: 2010. By Victor I. Vieth. Also available online here: http://www.ncptc.org/vertical/Sites/%7B8634A6E1-FAD2-4381-9C0D-5DC7E93C9410%7D/uploads/%7BBD1D6100-52CA-4B1C-BFB8-74E78BCD9128%7D.PDF
When Faith Hurts:
Overcoming Spirituality-Based Blocks and Problems Before, During, and After the Forensic Interview (revised and expanded).
“You can make sense of sexual abuse and no God, or God and no sexual abuse. But how do you tolerate the two realities together?”—Diane Langberg, PhD
This article explores the complexities of child abuse when a faith system is a part of the problem and also gives information and resources when a family and/or child's faith is impacted by abuse.
Center Piece: The Official Newsletter of the National Child Protection Training Center. Volume 2, Issue 10: 2010. By Victor I. Vieth. Also available online here: http://www.ncptc.org/vertical/Sites/%7B8634A6E1-FAD2-4381-9C0D-5DC7E93C9410%7D/uploads/%7BBD1D6100-52CA-4B1C-BFB8-74E78BCD9128%7D.PDF
When Faith Hurts:
Overcoming Spirituality-Based Blocks and Problems Before, During, and After the Forensic Interview (revised and expanded).
“You can make sense of sexual abuse and no God, or God and no sexual abuse. But how do you tolerate the two realities together?”—Diane Langberg, PhD
This article explores the complexities of child abuse when a faith system is a part of the problem and also gives information and resources when a family and/or child's faith is impacted by abuse.
Center Piece: The Official Newsletter of the National Child Protection Training Center. Volume 2, Issue 10: 2010. By Victor I. Vieth. Also available online here: http://www.ncptc.org/vertical/Sites/%7B8634A6E1-FAD2-4381-9C0D-5DC7E93C9410%7D/uploads/%7BBD1D6100-52CA-4B1C-BFB8-74E78BCD9128%7D.PDF
When Faith Hurts:
Overcoming Spirituality-Based Blocks and Problems Before, During, and After the Forensic Interview (revised and expanded).
“You can make sense of sexual abuse and no God, or God and no sexual abuse. But how do you tolerate the two realities together?”—Diane Langberg, PhD
This article explores the complexities of child abuse when a faith system is a part of the problem and also gives information and resources when a family and/or child's faith is impacted by abuse.
The Official Newsletter of the National Child Protection Training Center
When Faith Hurts:
Overcoming Spirituality-Based Blocks and Problems Before, During, and After the Forensic Interview UP Child Abuse and the COMING conferences
(revised and expanded)1 Law – An Online Seminar
By Victor I. Vieth2 January 25, 2011 Registration fee: None Registrants will have the opportunity to “You can make sense of sexual abuse and no God, or God and no sexual abuse. develop a Child Abuse and the Law course curriculum for a law school in But how do you tolerate the two realities together?”—Diane Langberg, PhD3 their region; the seminar will explore the Child Abuse and the Law course that is abuse.This is followed with a handful of offered at Hamline University School of Introduction Law. Up to twenty law professors, with concrete suggestions for forensic Much has been written about the short and experience prosecuting civil or criminal interviewers in assisting a victim in long term impact of child abuse on the child abuse cases, will congregate in overcoming these blocks during an an online meeting. victim’s mind and body.4 Each year, this investigative interview. Finally, the article literature is presented at hundreds of state includes recommendations for MDTs in Seminary Curriculum: and national child abuse conferences.As a assisting a child in overcoming spiritual result, multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) have When Faith Hurts injuries or otherwise meeting the child’s greatly improved their abilities to investigate February 21, 2011 need for spiritual development. cases of maltreatment and to address a Winona, MN child’s physical and emotional needs.5 Registration fee: None Defining spirituality Faith seminary representatives are Unfortunately, the impact of abuse on a child’s welcome to apply and take part in a spirituality is a topic often avoided at child The Oxford American Dictionary defines one day summit to learn the seminary abuse conferences6 or in MDT meetings7 – spirituality as “relating to religion or religious curriculum already developed by even though there are literally hundreds of belief; relating to, or affecting the human NCPTC – When Faith Hurts: The Role of research articles documenting the critical spirit or soul as opposed to material or the Faith Community in Recognizing importance of spirituality for most of the physical things.”11 In one study, survivors of and Responding to Cases of Child children we work with.8 This silence is even sexual abuse were asked to define the term Abuse. After the conference, NCPTC “spirituality.” Fifty-nine percent of these will continue to work with the more troubling considering the frequency with attendees to implement the curriculum which many perpetrators incorporate religious survivors described spirituality as being at their respective faith seminaries. Ten or spiritual themes into the abuse of children.9 connected or in a relationship with God or a selected seminaries will be able to higher power.12 Twenty two percent of the attend. Most expenses will be Our reluctance to address spiritual issues survivors defined spirituality as being in reimbursed to the attendees. inhibits our ability to interview and to touch with one’s true self or “feeling health otherwise work with children competently. Please visit www.ncptc.org for more in their soul.”13 information and to register for courses. This is because, for many children, the damage done to their spirituality is the overriding Although typically thought of as pertaining Click on Training Conferences. block that prevents them from disclosing or to a relationship with God, spirituality means otherwise accessing needed services.10 a great many things.According to some scholars: This article offers several diverse definitions of spirituality in an attempt to highlight how Just saying the word can evoke strong complex the concept is.The article also reactions. For some, it connects with a includes an overview of the importance of deep reality, commitment, and set of spirituality for most children, the impact of practices that are grounded in thousands child maltreatment on a child’s spirituality, of years of tradition and divine revelation. and the role spirituality plays in coping with For others, it evokes something new and This project was supported by Grant creative—a corrective to the stodginess No. 2009-DD-BX-K150 awarded by abuse.To assist MDTs in using this research the Office of Juvenile Justice and in actual cases, there is a concrete and rigidity of religion as they see it.To Delinquency Prevention, Office of description of six types of spiritual blocks still others, it is a trendy catchphrase with Justice Programs, U.S. Department of that may impair a child’s ability to disclose little substance.14 Justice. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. 1 CENTER PIECE • Volume 2, Issue 10: 2010 • NCPTC Department of Justice. belief that God is unfair.20 The same study, boys and often used spiritual language or though, found survivors of childhood religious concepts in the abuse. For abuse report praying more frequently and example, he told one victim that “God having a “spiritual experience.”21 wanted him to teach the boy about sex but that he had to keep it quiet because When the perpetrator is a member of the it was under the sacrament of clergy, the impact on the victim’s confession.”28 spirituality may be even more pronounced. Clergy abusers often use their religion to justify or excuse their The role of spirituality in sexual abuse of children.According to coping with abuse one study, clergy in treatment for sexually Some researchers have found that a abusing children believed that God would victim’s “spiritual coping behavior” may particularly look after the children they play either a positive or negative role in had victimized and otherwise keep them the survivor’s ability to cope with the from harm.22 Through their religious role, abuse and with life in general.29 Victims of these offenders also engaged in severe abuse may remain “stuck” in their “compensatory behavior” and believed spiritual development such as remaining that their good works in the community angry with God. Children abused at would result in God excusing their moral younger ages are “less likely to turn to lapses with children.23 God and others for spiritual support.”30 The importance of spirituality The religious cover used by clergy Nonetheless, even victims describing a to children – particularly to abusers is often communicated to the difficult relationship with God “still rely victims in a manner that irreparably on their spirituality for healing.”Victims vulnerable children damages their spirituality. Specifically, who experience “greater resolution” of Whatever the precise definition, research church attendance of these survivors their childhood abuse are able to “actively documents that spirituality is of critical decreases, they are less likely to trust turn to their spirituality to cope…rather importance to most children. Indeed, a God, and their relationship with God than attempt to cope on their own.”31 “growing body of theoretical and often ceases to grow.24 research literature suggests that spiritual Spirituality-Based Blocks development is an intrinsic part of being The use of spirituality in the The spiritual harm resulting from child human.”15 Research from UCLA’s Higher abuse of children abuse may pose several blocks inhibiting Education Research institute found that Not only does child maltreatment impact the child from disclosing the abuse 77% of college freshman believed “we are a child’s spirituality, perpetrators often during a forensic interview.These blocks all spiritual beings.”16 Eighty percent of use spiritual or religious themes in the can be placed into at least six different these freshmen said they had an “interest” maltreatment of children. In a study of categories. in spirituality.17 Some studies suggest spirituality may be particularly important 3,952 male sex offenders, 93% of these Perpetrator induced. The perpetrator may to vulnerable children. In a study of 149 perpetrators described themselves as manipulate a child’s faith in such a way as youth in an institutional care setting, 86% “religious.”25 There is some evidence that to convince the child that he or she is of these children considered themselves “religious” sex offenders may be the most sinful. If a child has been taught that spiritual or somewhat spiritual.18 As an dangerous category of offenders. One sexual conduct, even sexual thoughts are example of the importance spirituality study found that sex offenders sinful,32 the perpetrator may cite a child’s plays for some vulnerable youth, a maintaining significant involvement with biological reaction as proof the child is teenage survivor of the sex industry told religious institutions “had more sexual just as sinful, if not more so, than the a journalist “I admit that I’m still offense convictions, more victims, and perpetrator.A child growing up in a struggling, even after six months away younger victims.”26 church teaching that homosexual conduct from the business…Because I dropped Law enforcement officers and child is sinful33 may be told by the perpetrator out of school I have few career protection workers have worked many “You see how your pee gets big when I options…Yet I know what God wants for cases where spiritual concepts are used touch it? You’re gay.The pastor will me. I need to be healed.”19 in the maltreatment of a child. In one condemn you if you ever talk about it.” case, a protestant minister instructed A child’s emotional reactions to The impact of child abuse on young parents to spank even infants with maltreatment can also be manipulated. In spirituality a dowel rod and insisted that doing so one case, for example, a child recounted was mandated by scripture.As the how she taught herself to initiate sexual There are a number of studies children grew, the parents continued to contact with her father as a means of documenting the impact of abuse on reinforce the belief that the physical “getting it over with.” Manipulated by her spirituality. For example, a study of 527 abuse was sanctioned, even commanded father, the child came to believe that her victims of child abuse (physical, sexual or by God.27 In a highly publicized case, initiation of sexual conduct was sinful emotional) found a significant “spiritual Father Lawrence Murphy sexually abused and that, even worse, she was causing her injury” such as feelings of guilt, anger, as many as 200 deaf or hard of hearing father to sin.34 grief, despair, doubt, fear of death, and
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Child induced. Even if a perpetrator does The church’s subtle, or not so subtle Before the forensic interview not manipulate a child’s faith as a means support of perpetrators may prevent of keeping the secret, the child’s own children from disclosing or even cause Look for clues analysis of church doctrine may result in children who have disclosed to recant.42 A Prior to conducting a forensic interview, a block preventing disclosure. I once child victim, noting that both of her the investigative team should closely worked with a thirteen-year-old victim pastors and all of the church elders were scrutinize the report triggering the who was abused for several years by a supporting the father she accused of investigation and/or interview. In man in the neighborhood.The child told molesting her, asked me boldly,“does this scrutinizing the report, look for clues me the reason she didn’t disclose the mean God is against me, too?”43 suggesting there may be a spirituality- abuse for years is because, in her faith based block. For example, the child’s tradition, all sexual contact outside of Religious leader induced. Numerous initial disclosure may reflect his or her marriage is sinful.Accordingly, she was studies document that, when a faith spirituality through statements such as “I convinced her parents and her church leader is the perpetrator of abuse, the think God is mad at me.” leaders would condemn her to the same damage to the victim’s psyche is In addition to the child’s previous extent as the perpetrator. In another particularly pronounced.44 For example, a statements, examine the setting the case, a seven year old child asked the victim of abuse by her priest reported alleged abuse took place as well as any forensic interviewer “Am I still a virgin in that, given the importance of the reference to a possible perpetrator. If the God’s eyes?”35 A survivor of clergy abuse Eucharist in her Catholic faith tradition, setting was inside a religious institution reported she concluded God must be being abused by her priest was akin to or the possible perpetrator is a member allowing the abuse in order to make her a being sexually touched by Christ.45 of the clergy or is otherwise associated saint and was certain that, eventually, the with a religious institution, the chances Interviewer induced. Sometimes, the church would reward her if she patiently for a spirituality based block are greater. forensic interviewer’s lack of comfort endured her suffering.36 with a child’s spirituality may cause a Even if the alleged perpetrator is not Doctrinal induced. In many instances a block.We once had a case called into our associated with the faith community and child may correctly understand a church Center involving an eleven-year-old boy the abuse did not take place inside a doctrine and that doctrine makes it who was going to participate in a religious institution, there may be other difficult to disclose.An adult survivor religious ceremony in which he drank clues in the initial report suggesting the once told me he was sure he was poison and picked up venomous snakes. possibility of a spirituality-based block. doomed to hell because he could not This family, including the child, took For example, if the child attends a school forgive his father.The survivor cited literally the verse from scripture that affiliated with a faith tradition it is likely scriptural references of the need to those with a strong faith can drink poison that prayer and other religious practices forgive even horrendous wrongs37 and or be bitten by poisonous snakes without are a significant part of the child’s daily said that, try as he might, he simply could being harmed.46 An interviewer offended experience. Many times, particularly in not forgive the torture he endured at the by this practice who communicates this small communities,48 the investigative hands of his father. feeling to the child may unwittingly cause team may know something of the child’s the child to shut down during the religious practices.The team, for example, Institution induced. Sadly, many interview. It doesn’t have to be such an may know if a given child attends a institutions of faith are more interested in unusual case for an interviewer to cause a particular church or participates in other addressing the spiritual needs of block.A law enforcement officer, who religious activities. Even so, this is only an perpetrators than they are victims of described himself as an atheist, reported indicator, since the interviewer will not abuse.38 If a popular member of a that he was very uncomfortable with know how these religious activities or congregation is accused of molesting a spiritual issues and would have difficulty doctrines may have impacted a particular child, it is predictable that many members working with a child who spoke freely of child or how a particular perpetrator may of the congregation will support the religious themes.47 Given the officer’s have manipulated these doctrines. perpetrator.39 Even if a perpetrator strong feelings, he was legitimately confesses to the crime, many faith leaders concerned about the possibility of will urge reconciliation between the unwittingly communicating his lack of perpetrator and the child.40 Indeed, many comfort with a child expressing spiritual perpetrators count on the church’s thoughts and thus causing a block to support. In the words of one child disclosure. molester: In overcoming spiritual blocks, the I considered church people easy to interviewer and the multi-disciplinary fool…they have a trust that comes team may wish to consider the following from being Christians…They tend to suggestions for addressing this issue be better folks all around.And they before, during, and after the forensic seem to want to believe in the good interview. that exists in all people…I think they want to believe in people.And because of that, you can easily convince, with or without convincing words.41
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For the same reason, it may be wise for the Avoid minimizing the importance of interviewer to avoid wearing a cross spirituality necklace or other religious ornament Given the importance of spiritual healing during the interview. In one case, a child to many child abuse victims,59 it is was sexually abused in a Christian boarding imperative that the interviewer avoid school and the perpetrator told her to minimizing the importance of the child’s “focus on the cross” on the wall during the spirituality. If an interviewer is abuse. Needless to say, the child soon uncomfortable with a child’s religious associated religious symbols with sexual practices or expressions of faith and in abuse.52 Some child abuse victims have some way communicates these feelings to reported being gravely uncomfortable not the child, the child may shut down. only with religious symbols but religious In one case, a father stood up during a language that in any way reminds them of Though it is unlikely that interviewers charismatic church service and boldly their perpetrators.53 would intentionally demean a child’s confessed sexually abusing his girls.The spirituality, this may be done unwittingly. In Research uncommon religious practices pastor then asked the children to stand up one case, for example, the interviewer was and “confess” their role in this sexual If the report pertains to an uncommon closing the interview by giving the child activity.The pastor then pronounced God’s religious practice, such as a ritual where a some personal safety messages. Specifically, forgiveness on all the family members and child may consume poison or be bitten by the child was asked who she could tell if instructed them to never again speak of poisonous snakes,54 the interviewer may she were touched inappropriately.The the subject or risk the judgment of God. want to conduct some preliminary research child responded “I can tell Jesus.”The Although the children did not speak of the or otherwise find out as much as possible interviewer then asked “who can you tell abuse, some members of the congregation about this practice prior to the interview. In on earth?”The child became frustrated and were uncomfortable and reported the this way, the interviewer is less likely to act replied that Jesus is still on the earth.After incident to law enforcement. In such a shocked at potential revelations during the all, the Bible specifically promises that scenario, the officers knew even before the interview or to otherwise signal his/her “where two or three are gathered in my forensic interview that one or more of the ignorance of a practice that, to the child, is name, there I am with them.”60 A better victims may have a spiritual block. In this likely quite normal. response would simply be to ask “who else case, the children may fear damnation if can you tell?” they disclosed the abuse.49 During the interview Assure the child that someone will help Select an appropriate setting for the Be alert for signs of a spiritual block him/her address spiritual questions interview If a child asks the forensic interviewer a In some instances, the child may boldly say If at all possible, the child should be or do something in the forensic interview religious question (i.e.“Am I still a virgin in interviewed in a children’s advocacy center50 that reveals a potential spiritual block to God’s eyes?), the interviewer must in some or another child friendly facility. In some disclosure. In one interview, for example, a way acknowledge the question. Until the jurisdictions, it may be necessary to conduct young girl boldly asked the interviewer child’s question is acknowledged, if not an emergency or preliminary interview at a “Am I still a virgin in God’s eyes?” 55 fully addressed, it may be difficult to child’s school, day care or home. Be continue the interview. In other instances, the dynamics of the cognizant, though, that if the child has a abuse itself may alert the interviewer to the At the same time, it is important not to spirituality based block, and the setting for potentiality of a spiritual block. Consider, delve too deeply when responding to a the interview is rooted in a faith tradition, for example, the plight of a young girl who child’s spiritual question.Though well- overcoming the block may be more was molested repeatedly after being meaning, an interviewer may not fully difficult. For example, a child believing God required to recite her bedtime prayers.To appreciate important nuances in a child’s is angry with her over the abuse may have a such a girl, the feeling that God could not, question.A better approach is to ask the more difficult time disclosing abuse in a or would not protect her from harm was question back to the child (i.e.“what church-affiliated school or even a home particularly pronounced.56 To this feeling makes you wonder about being a virgin in filled with religious symbols. was added shame when her father inquired God’s eyes?”) and thus obtain more To illustrate this concern, consider this “Why are you such a whore that you make information as to the source of this block. statement from a young victim:“When me do this after we have prayed?”57 When asked the question back, the child daddy does sex to me I feel sad…My Mister may disclose that her father explained that Be liberal in offering reassurance Jesus he just watched and he didn’t make it her biological reaction during the abuse stop.”51 For a child with this potential One of the block removing techniques meant she “enjoyed” the encounter and block, that is, concerned that Jesus taught in the CornerHouse and ChildFirst thus would be condemned in the church “watched” the abuse and failed to forensic interviewing courses58 is to offer a for having lost her virginity. Perhaps the intervene, it may be particularly difficult to child “reassurance.”This can be as simple as child is worried about a Sunday School be interviewed in a class room or home reminding the child “You’re not in any lesson impressing upon her the command with a picture of Jesus prominently trouble with me”,“this is a safe place”, or to remain a virgin until married. Obtaining displayed. Such an image may remind the perhaps to go as far as saying “you know, I details of the source of the block will assist child that Jesus failed to protect the child talk to lots of boys (or girls). No matter the interviewer, and the team, in addressing in the past – and may fail to protect her in what happened, it’s not your fault.” the child’s concern. the future.
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If the child insists on an answer, the prosecutor can avoid saying anything that the child protection community has interviewer may want to inform the child may be culturally offensive to the child. largely focused on addressing only the that she has asked an important question Moreover, in listening to the child’s child’s physical and emotional damage – and that he will make sure someone sits prayer, the prosecutor may learn exactly leaving many victims to struggle alone down with the child and fully answers what is most frightening to the child at with their desire for spiritual the question.Again, an interviewer that moment and be able to address it. development or assistance in coping with attempting to answer difficult spiritual For example, if the child prays “please their abuse. questions may unwittingly offend the don’t let the defense attorney yell at me”, For these children, and for our profession, child by failing to understand nuances of the prosecutor should be vigilant in we can do better. her faith tradition. Moreover, many objecting to the raising of voices in the spiritual questions are also mental health courtroom. issues that need to be explored in greater If the child has a positive relationship End Notes depth by a well-trained mental health 1 This article was originally published in two parts by the with a pastor or some other member of a professional. For example, a child National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse as part of faith tradition, the team may want to their newsletter UPDATE (volume 20, issues 6 & 7).This inquiring whether God is mad at her may consider utilizing this individual as a article includes additional studies and cases that have have a spiritual question, and may also been released since the original article appeared in 2007. support person for the child at trial and have feelings of guilt that need to be NCPTC is grateful to the National District Attorney’s to assist the child in praying or otherwise Association for allowing us to publish this revised and addressed in therapy. accessing God or some other source of 2 expanded version of the original article. Director, National Child Protection Training Center at spiritual comfort as part of her recovery. Winona State University). The author thanks Kerri Trom, After the interview It is important, though, that the MDT paralegal student from Winona State University, for her make sure that the faith leader has some research assistance.The author also thanks Jackie Heard, Once the interview is complete, the Mike Johnson, Rachel Mitchell,Anne Lukas-Miller,Amy forensic interviewer must bring to the training on child abuse.Although most Russell, and Stephanie Smith for their helpful comments attention of the multi-disciplinary team faith leaders would not intentionally hurt and suggestions. 3 DIANE LANGBERG, PH.D, ON THE THRESHOLD OF HOPE the spiritual questions, concerns or a child, many have unwittingly been 131 (1999). blocks raised during the interview.The insensitive to the needs of survivors.66 4 See generally, ROBIN KARR-MORSE & MEREDITH S. WILEY, GHOSTS FROM THE NURSERY:TRACING THE team must develop a plan to address the Given the large number of vulnerable ROOTS OF VIOLENCE (1997). child’s spiritual injury just as the team children reporting the importance of 5 See generally,Victor I.Vieth, In My Neighbor’s House, 22 would develop a plan to address the HAMLINE LAW REVIEW 143 (1998). spirituality in their lives,67 the team 6 This may be changing. Since the original publication of physical and emotional damage done to should consider a culturally sensitive this article in 2007, the National Children’s Alliance, the the child.When selecting a therapist, for approach to nurturing this aspect – at National Children’s Advocacy Center, and the National example, seek a therapist with specific District Attorney’s Association have invited me to speak at least for those children expressing this their national conferences on this subject.The National knowledge and experience in counseling desire. How this will be done may vary Child Protection Training Center has also included this child abuse victims and who shares the greatly depending on the child’s topic at its national conferences and at a number of state child abuse conferences. child’s faith tradition or is otherwise definition of and expressed need for 7 There is some improvement among members of the familiar enough with the child’s faith spiritual growth,68 but the ability of the multi-disciplinary team.The medical community, for tradition to be sensitive in addressing the example, has long recognized the importance of team to address this issue may have a spirituality and has made chapel and chaplains available child’s spiritual needs.61 Indeed, profound impact on the child’s life. In a for patients seeking this assistance.There is even a respecting a child’s religious beliefs and literature review of 500 academic articles national healchare chaplains association . See www.hcmachaplains.org (last visited January 9, 2011). practices in placement, and otherwise on “organic religion”69, one scholar In the field of psychology, most mental health selecting culturally appropriate treatment concluded that various components of professionals reject the view of Sigmund Freud that a or services is required by law in most spiritual worldview distorts “the picture of he real world spirituality reduced the risks of in a delusional manner” and forcibly fixes people “in a states.62 It may also be helpful to have depression, suicide, promiscuous sexual state of psychical infantilism.” DR.ARMAND M. NICHOLI, one or more members of the faith behaviors, alcohol and drug usage, and JR.,THE QUESTON OF GOD: C.S. LEWIS AND SIGMUND community on the multi-disciplinary team FREUD DEBATE GOD, LOVE, SEX,AND THE MEANING OF delinquency.70 Equally important the LIFE 38 (2002). who can recommend spiritual resources reviewer noted research documenting 8 George Bernard Shaw criticized “polite conversation” for that may assist the child.63 “organic religion’s association with a excluding the only two topics he considered worth discussing—politics and religion. DON W. KING (ED), The team should also consider the value variety of prosocial factors, such as OUT OF MY BONE:THE LETTERS OF JOY DAVIDMAN longevity, civic engagement, well-being, (2009). of spirituality in helping the child cope 9 See notes 20-28 and accompanying text. with the rigors of testifying or of and educational attainment.”71 10 See generally, PETER L. BENSON, EUGENE C. separation from family.As mentioned ROEHLKEPARTAIN, & KATHRYN L. HONG (EDS), NEW There are a number of resources available DIRECTIONS FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: SPIRITUAL earlier, many victims rebel against the to assist the team in addressing a child’s DEVELOPMENT (2008); KAREN MARIE YUST,AOSTRE N. authority of the church, but nonetheless long term needs for spiritual growth, in JOHNSON, SANDY EISENBERG SASSO, & EUGENE C. ROEHLKEPARTAIN, NURTURING CHILD AND pray regularly or report having spiritual whatever manner the child may express ADOLESCENT SPIRITUALITY: PERSPECTIVES FROM THE experiences.64 In one case, a prosecutor this need.72 WORLD’S RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS (2006) 11 was accompanying a child abuse victim THE OXFORD AMERICAN DICTIONARY P. 1664 (2001). 12 Joanette Roberston, Spirituality and Religion in Sexual into the courtroom to testify against the Conclusion Abuse Survivors (May 10, 2006) (unpublished article on man who molested her.The girl tugged file with the National Child Protection Training Center). 13 Spirituality is deeply rooted in many, if Id. on the prosecutor’s skirt and whispered 14 Peter L. Benson & Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, Spiritual “can we pray before I go in?”65 In such a not most aspects of our society.73 Development: A Missing Priority in Youth Development, scenario, a culturally sensitive response Therefore, it is not surprising that child in PETER L. BENSON, EUGENE C. ROEHLKEPARTAIN, & KATHRYN L. HONG, NEW DIRECTIONS FOR YOUTH would be to tell the child yes but ask her abuse often causes lasting damage to a DEVELOPMENT: SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT 13 (2008). to say the prayer. In this way, the child’s sense of spirituality. Unfortunately,
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15 Id. at 14 (citations omitted). member of their church. Marian V. Liautaud, Sex Offenders: his or her religion or creed”); MONT. CODE.ANN. § 41-3-101 16 Id. (citations omitted). Coming to a Church Near You, CHRISTIANITY TODAY (stating it is the policy of Montana to “ensure that whenever 17 Id. (posted online 10/25/10). removal of a child from the home is necessary, the child is 18 39 Id at 14-15. Victor Vieth, Keeping the Faith:A Call for Collaboration entitled to maintain ethnic, cultural, and religious heritage 19 PHILIP YANCEY,WHAT GOOD IS GOD? 73-74 (2010). Between the Faith and Child P rotection Communities, 947, wherever possible”). 20 63 Lawson, Drebing, Berg,Vincellette, & Penk, The Long Term 949 in COOPER, ESTES, GIARDINO, KELLOGG, & VIETH, See generally, GERARD J. MCGLONE, ET.AL, CREATING SAFE Impact of Child Abuse on Religious Behvavior and MEDICAL, LEGAL, & SOCIAL SCIENCE ASPECTS OF CHILD AND SACRED PLACES: IDENTIFYING, PREVENTING,AND Spirituality in Men, 22(5) CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 369, SEXUAL EXPLOITATION (2005) HEALING SEXUAL ABUSE (2003). 40 64 376-377 (1998). Id. at 949-950. See Terry Lynn Gall, Spirituality and Coping with Life Stress 21 41 Id. ANNA C. SALTER, PH.D, PREDATORS 29 (2003). Among Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, 30 22 42 Adam Saradjian & Dany Nobus, Cognitive Distortions of The support of a faith institution for a perpetrator may also CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 829 (2006). See also, Lawson, Religious Professionals Who Sexually Abuse Children, 18 J. prevent parents from reporting to the authorities once a child Drebing, Berg,Vincellette, & Penk, The Long Term Impact of OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 905, 918 (2003). has disclosed to them.These contradictory messages may Child Abuse on Religious Behvavior and Spirituality in Men, 23 Id. further confuse a child. 22(5) CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 369, 376-377 (1998). 24 43 65 Barbara R. McLaughlin, Devastated Spirituality:The Impact of This was a case I handled as a prosecutor. This is a case a prosecutor in California shared with me. Clergy Sexual Abuse on the Survivor’s Relationship with 44 See notes 20-28 and accompanying text. 66 For example, a girl disclosed sexual abuse to her Rabbi but 45 God, 1(2) SEXUAL ADDICTION & COMPULSIVITY (1994). This is another anecdote shared with NCPTC by a survivor. was told he didn’t believe her and failed to connect her eating 25 GENE ABEL & NORA HARLOW,THE STOP CHILD For an analysis of sexual offenders within the Catholic church, disorder with a possible history of sexual abuse.The child MOLESTATION BOOK (2001). see Kathryn A. Dale & Judith L.Alpert, Hiding Behind the abandoned her faith in God but now, as an adult, is attempting 26 Donna Eshuys & Stephen Smallbone, Religious Affiliations Cloth: Child Sexual Abuse and the Catholic Church, 16 to re-connect with her “spiritual identity.”Vicki Polin, Throw Among Adult Sexual Offenders, 18 SEX ABUSE 279 (2006); see JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 59 (2007). Away Children of God?, www.examiner.com (December 29, 46 also, Philip Firestone, et al, Clerics Who Commit Sexual Mark 16:17-18 (NIV):“In my name they will drive out demons, 2010) (last visited December 30, 2010). As another example, a Offenses: Offender, Offense, and Victim Characteristics, 18 they will speak in new tongues, they will pick up snakes with prosecutor told NCPTC of a case in which a pastor argued for JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 442 (2009). their hands, and when they drink deadly poison it will not a lenient sentence because the defendant had now been 27 This was a case NCPTC consulted on. For a further hurt them at all…” “saved.”These comments were deeply hurtful to the victim. 47 67 exploration of the issue of physical abuse rooted in religious This was a conversation NCPTC had with an officer trained in Benson, note 12 , at 13. 68 doctrine, see Christina M. Rodriquez & Ryan C. Henderson, one of our classes. See generally, KAREN MARIE YUST,AOSTRE N. JOHNSON, Who Spares the Rod? Religious Orientation, Social 48 For an overview of conducting an MDT investigation in small SANDY EISENBERG SASSO, & EUGENE C. ROEHLKEPARTAIN, Conformity, and Child Abuse Potential, 34 CHILD ABUSE & communities, see Victor I.Vieth, In My Neighbor’s House, 22 NURTURING CHILD AND ADOLESCENT SPIRITUALITY: NEGLECT 84 (2010). HAMLINE LAW REVIEW 143 (1998). PERSPECTIVES FROM THE WORLD’S RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS 28 49 Laurie Goodstein, Vatican Declined to Defrock U.S. Priest Who This was a case NCPTC consulted on. (2006) 50 69 Abused Boys, NEW YORK TIMES, March 26, 2010. For an excellent overview of the history of Children’s The researchers define organic religion as “practiced over 29 Terry Lynn Gall, Spirituality and Coping with Life Stress Advocacy Centers and the strong research supporting this time, such as with children who were raised and nurtured in Among Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, 30 model, see Nancy Chandler, Children’s Advocacy Centers: religious homes.” Peter L. Benson & Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 829 (2006). Making a Difference One Child at a Time, 28 HAMLINE Spiritual Development:A Missing Priority in Youth 30 Id. at 838. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC LAW & POLICY 315 (2006). Development, in PETER L. BENSON, EUGENE C. 31 51 Id. at 839. DIANE MANDT LANGBERG, PH.D, ON THE THRESHOLD OF ROEHLKEPARTAIN, & KATHRYN L. HONG, NEW DIRECTIONS 32 Jesus told his followers:“But I tell you that anyone who looks HOPE 131 (1999). FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT 13 52 at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her This is an anecdote shared with NCPTC. (2008) citing B.R. Johnson, A Tale of Two Religious Effects: 53 in his heart.” Matthew 5:28 (NIV). See generally, CHRISTA BROWN,THIS LITTLE LIGHT (2009). Evidence for the Protective and Prosocial Impact of Organic 33 54 See generally,Anonymous, The Road to Healing, Some years ago, the National Center for Prosecution of Child Religion, in KLINE (ED),AUTHORITATIVE COMMUNITIES: CHRISTIANITY TODAY (April 2007) 56 (author is a married Abuse provided technical assistance to a child protection team THE SCIENTIFIC CASE FOR NURTURING THE WHOLE CHILD man who details his sexual attraction to men and the responding to a report that an 11 year old boy was scheduled 187-226 (2008). 70 difficulties he has had in receiving counseling from to participate in a “snake handling” religious service in which Id. 71 conservative churches).There is research suggesting that, for the child would drink strychnine poison and be bitten by Id. 72 male child sexual abuse survivors,“confusion about sexual water moccasins. See e.g., PETER L. BENSON, EUGENE C. ROEHLKEPARTAIN, & 55 orientation is a frequently reported and major negative This is a case that was called into the National Center for KATHRYN L. HONG (EDS), NEW DIRECTIONS FOR YOUTH consequence of their sexual history” and that “most men who Prosecution of Child Abuse. DEVELOPMENT: SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT (2008); KAREN 56 have been sexually abused fear they are homosexual, and Diane Langberg, The Spiritual Impact of Abuse, available in MARIE YUST,AOSTRE N. JOHNSON, SANDY EISENBERG homosexual men wonder if the abuse made them gay.” the “articles” section of the following web site: SASSO, & EUGENE C. ROEHLKEPARTAIN, NURTURING CHILD Maryam Kia-Keating, Frances K. Grossman, Lynn Sorsoli, http://www.netgrace.org AND ADOLESCENT SPIRITUALITY: PERSPECTIVES FROM THE Containing and Resisting Masculinity: Narratives of 57 Id. WORLD’S RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS (2006); DR. JAIME J. Renegotiation Among Resilient Male Survivors of Childhood 58 For an overview of the CornerHouse and Finding Words ROMO, HEALING THE SEXUALLY ABUSED HEART:A Sexual Abuse, 6(3) PSYCHOLOGY OF MEN & MASCULINITY interviewing programs, see Victor I.Vieth, Unto the Third WORKBOOK FOR SURVIVORS,THRIVERS AND SUPPORTERS 169, 179 (2005). Generation:A Call to End Child Abuse in the United States (2008).; EUGENE C. ROEHLKEPARTAIN, BUILDING ASSETS IN 34 This is an account an adult survivor related to me. Within 120 Years (Revised and Expanded), 28 HAMLINE CONGREGATIONS:A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR HELPING 35 This example is drawn from a case called into the National JOURNAL OF PUBLIC LAW & POLICY 1, 21-29 (2006); Jennifer YOUTH GROW UP HEALTHY (1998); STEPHEN R.TRACY, Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse. Anderson, et al, The CornerHouse Forensic Interview Protocol MENDING THE SOUL: UNDERSTANDING AND HEALING 36 This anecdote was shared with NCPTC by the survivor RATAC, 12 THE THOMAS M. COOLEY JOURNAL OF ABUSE (2005); DIANE MANDT LANGBERG, PH.D, herself. PRACTICAL AND CLINICAL LAW 193 (2010). COUNSELING SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE (2003); 37 59 Jesus warned his followers “if you do not forgive men their See generally, LANGBERG, note 2, and DIANE MANDT GERARD J. MCGLONE, ET.AL, CREATING SAFE AND SACRED sins your father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:15 LANGBERG, PH.D, COUNSELING SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL PLACES: IDENTIFYING, PREVENTING,AND HEALING SEXUAL (NIV). ABUSE (2003). ABUSE (2003). 38 60 73 In a survey of 2,864 church leaders, 79% said that convicted Matthew 18:20 (NIV). See generally, JON MEACHAM,AMERICAN GOSPEL: GOD,THE 61 sex offenders should be allowed to attend church “subject to For suggestions on selecting a counselor that may assist in FOUNDING FATHERS,AND THE MAKING OF A NATION appropriate limitations.” Marian V. Liautaud, Integrating Sex addressing the child’s spiritual injury, see DIANE MANDT (2006); Peter L. Benson & Eugene C. Roehlkepartain, Spiritual Offenders at Church, CHRISTIANITY TODAY (posted online LANGBERT, PH.D., ON THE THRESHOLD OF HOPE 191-196 Development:A Missing Priority in Youth Development, in 12/5/10). However, 5% said that convicted sex offenders (1999). PETER L. BENSON, EUGENE C. ROEHLKEPARTAIN, & 62 should be allowed to attend church with no limitations and See e.g. FLA. STAT. § 409.175 (requirement to safeguard the KATHRYN L. HONG, NEW DIRECTIONS FOR YOUTH under no supervision.As a reflection of how many sex “cultural, religious, and ethnic values of a child”); MICH. COMP. DEVELOPMENT: SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT 13-27 (2008). offenders attend church, 20% of the church leaders said they LAWS § 722.23 (citing as one factor in determining custody knew of a convicted sex offender who was attending or was a the ability of the parties continue the “raising of the child in
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The National Child Protection Training Center (NCPTC) at Winona State University provides training, technical assistance and publications to child protection professionals throughout the United States. In addition, NCPTC assists undergraduate and graduate programs seeking to improve the education provided to future child protection professionals. In partnership with CornerHouse, NCPTC also assists in the development and maintenance of forensic interview training programs utilizing the RATAC® forensic interviewing protocol. For further information, contact NCPTC at 507-457-2890 or 651-714-4673. Please visit our website at www.ncptc.org.