Purpose Statement

As a people who strongly believe in Biblical mandates to follow God's will in all things, we believe that abuse of any kind - especially sexual abuse - is morally and ethically wrong. It constitutes as mistreatment and/or abuse of vulnerable people groups. Abuse is, at its core, a misuse of the power and authority given by God to those in leadership positions. Additionally, it tarnishes the church's representation of the character of Jesus Christ, and is an abomination to the very heart of God.

Thus, Veritas maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against child abuse and neglect. Child abuse and neglect includes physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, negligent treatment, or maltreatment.

 If you suspect a child of being abused, Children Services may be contacted by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Child Abuse Hotline: 614-229-7000. Individuals making reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or dependency of a child should provide as much information about the situation as possible.

Definitions of Abuse

Veritas takes all indicators and suspicions of child maltreatment seriously. We are aware of the research on polyvictimization, which tells us that children who are maltreated in one way are at significantly increased risk of being maltreated in multiple ways. Therefore, as our church becomes aware of an indicator or report of a child being maltreated in one way, we will be alert to the possibility that this child might also be maltreated in another way. As such, we will take steps to protect the child from unknown risks and be extra attentive to and supportive of this child.

Franklin County Children Services defines different types of child abuse as follows:

An “abused child” includes any child who:

1. Is the victim of “sexual activity” as defined under Chapter 2907 of the Revised Code, where such activity would constitute an offense under that chapter, except that the court need not find that any person has been convicted of the offense in order to find that the child is an abused child;
2. Is endangered as defined in section 2919.22 of the Revised Code, except that the court need not find that any person has been convicted under that section in order to find that the child is an abused child;
3. Exhibits evidence of any physical or mental injury or death, inflicted other than by accidental means, or an injury or death which is at variance with the history given of it. Except as provided in division (4) of this section, a child exhibiting evidence of corporal punishment or other physical disciplinary measure by a parent, guardian, custodian, person having custody or control, or person in loco parentis of a child is not an abused child under this division if the measure is not prohibited under section 2919.22 of the Revised Code.
4. Because of the acts of his parents, guardian, or custodian, suffers physical or mental injury that harms or threatens to harm the child's health or welfare.
5. Is subjected to out-of-home care child abuse.

A “neglected child” includes any child:

1. Who is abandoned by the child's parents, guardian, or custodian;
2. Who lacks adequate parental care because of the faults or habits of the child's parents, guardian, or custodian;
3. Whose parents, guardian, or custodian neglects the child or refuses to provide proper or necessary subsistence, education, medical or surgical care or treatment, or other care necessary for the child's health, morals, or well being;
4. Whose parents, guardian, or custodian neglects the child or refuses to provide the special care made necessary by the child's mental condition;
5. Whose parents, legal guardian, or custodian have placed or attempted to place the child in violation of sections 5103.16 and 5103.17 of the Revised Code;
6. Who, because of the omission of the child's parents, guardian, or custodian, suffers physical or mental injury that harms or threatens to harm the child's health or welfare;
7. Who is subjected to out-of-home care child neglect.

Sexual offenses are defined as:

1. “Sexual conduct” means vaginal intercourse between a male and female; anal intercourse, fellatio, and cunnilingus between persons regardless of sex; and, without privilege to do so, the insertion, however slight, of any part of the body or any instrument, apparatus, or other object into the vaginal or anal opening of another. Penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete vaginal or anal intercourse.
2. “Sexual contact” means any touching of an erogenous zone of another, including without limitation the thigh, genitals, buttock, pubic region, or, if the person is a female, a breast, for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying either person.
3. “Sexual activity” means sexual conduct or sexual contact, or both¹.

1. https://childrenservices.franklincountyohio.gov/assets/pdf/brochures/reporting-abuse.pdf

Definitions of Abuse (cont.)

There are many signs of child abuse. Any one sign may not mean anything, but if there are a number of signs, or if they occur frequently, you may suspect maltreatment. Some signs include:

Physical Abuse

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child:

• Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones or black eyes
• Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school
• Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home
• Shrinks at the approach of adults
• Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Offers conflicting, unconvincing or no explanation for the child's injury
• Describes the child as "evil," or in some other very negative way
• Uses harsh physical discipline with the child
• Has a history of abuse as a child

Neglect

Consider the possibility of neglect when the child:

• Is frequently absent from school
• Begs or steals food or money
• Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations or glasses
• Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
• Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
• Abuses alcohol or other drugs
• States that there is no one at home to provide care

Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Appears to be indifferent to the child
• Seems apathetic or depressed
• Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner
• Abuses alcohol or other drugs

Emotional Maltreatment

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child:

• Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity or aggression
• Is either exhibiting inappropriate adult behavior (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriate infantile behavior (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example)
• Is delayed in physical or emotional development
  Has attempted suicide
• Reports a lack of attachment to the parent
  

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Constantly blames, belittles or berates the child
• Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child's problems
• Overtly rejects the child

Sexual Abuse

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child:

• Has difficulty walking or sitting
• Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
• Reports nightmares or bed-wetting
• Experiences a sudden change in appetite
• Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
• Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14
• Runs away
• Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child's contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex
• Is secretive and isolated
• Is jealous or controlling with family members²

^{2. These helpful indicators come from the Child Welfare Information Gateway, via https://childrenservices.franklincountyohio.gov/assets/pdf/brochures/reporting-abuse.pdf}

Lasting Impacts of Abuse

Because the majority of children who are sexually abused will be moderately to severely symptomatic at some point in their life, Veritas is familiar with and attentive to potential indicators for child abuse. As the church’s front-line for children’s and youth programming, as well as pastoral counseling, church professionals and volunteers have regular opportunities to observe children’s behavior, family dynamics, and caregiving styles. They are often privy to the intimate details of congregants’ lives. Unlike formal educators, church professionals have ongoing contact with the entire family unit and its acquaintances, and as such may be in the unique position to detect child sexual abuse and other forms of child maltreatment.

Though a child’s injuries may be hidden from the untrained eye, child sexual abuse and other forms of child maltreatment can result in immediate and/or lasting impact in all realms of the person’s well-being. Understanding how child sexual abuse can traumatize the child and have lasting impact in the life of a surviving adult is a critical first step in preventing abuse and responding compassionately. Not every child will display the impact of their maltreatment, and not every adult will experience the long-term consequences of their traumatic childhood experiences, but all are at increased risk.

Screening Process

People who sexually abuse children utilize authority, trust, and/or physical force/threats to gain access and control so they can perpetuate the abuse.

Here are some false assumptions we often make about predators:

• We assume it will happen to someone else.
• We assume our children are safe.
• We assume we can recognize them (i.e., they will be “monsters” and not like us).
• We assume they exist only in certain social and economic demographics.

Abusers are often the people that you’d least expect.

• Most of the time, the abuser is someone known to the victim, and most abuse takes place within the context of an ongoing relationship. Sexual predators often live a double life, and they groom the child for abuse before acting. They seek opportunities to have easy access to children (e.g., targeting single mothers). Some predators deliberately target churches.
• Studies show the usual offender is between the ages of 18–35. Most are men. Predators are often married and have children. They come from every economic and social demographic.

Before beginning work in any child or youth-related ministry at Veritas, applicants must be an active part of the Veritas community for at least six months. (Ideally, the applicant would also be pursuing membership at one of the congregations, as well.)

Volunteers and workers will be thoroughly screened. As part of the application process, applicants must answer these two questions:

1. Are you aware of any current or past claim or lawsuit, or of any situation that could result 
in a claim or lawsuit in connection with an allegation of abuse or sexual misconduct? 

2. Have you ever participated in, been accused or convicted of,
 or pled guilty or no contest to any abuse or sexual misconduct?

Additionally, volunteers and workers will have a background check conducted. This background check is conducted through the Checkr system; the system does a Social Security trace, and checks names against the sex offender watch list, global watch list, and national criminal watch list. No worker or volunteer may be a part of a child-related ministry without a current background check in place.

Finally, as part of the application process, interviews will be completed and references will be contacted.

Appropriate Interactions/Touch

Because most child abuse happens in isolated situations and because most adults seeking to harm a child prefer to do so in private, our church requires at least two, unrelated adults to supervise all child/youth events. (In this case, “unrelated” means that husband and wife, siblings, and parents and children may not serve exclusively supervise events. Other screened adults must be present.)

All interactions between an adult and child should be observable (meaning others are present), and interruptible (there’s no reason an interruption would be an issue). When adults spend time with a child, the adults will inform both the child’s caregiver and their supervisor of each meeting. The child and adult will meet at a time and place where the caregiver or supervisor can interrupt the time or observe the time from a distance. Furthermore, the meeting will take place in public with high visibility.

While appropriate physical contact with children can be an effective means of aiding in communication, redirecting attention, calming restlessness, or of showing Godly love and care, it can also be easily misinterpreted. With that in mind, Veritas prohibits the following:

• Sexually or physically abusive touch
• Touching a child’s thighs, stomach, or any other areas covered by a bathing suit
• Corporal punishment
• Lap sitting (permissible in infant and toddler classrooms only)
• Prolonged hugs
• Any touch that is unwanted by the child

Child-Initiated Inappropriate Touch

What should you do if a child touches another child or an adult worker inappropriately? Before this happens, think about how you would respond.

• Remain calm. Ask yourself if this was accidental or on purpose.
• Redirect appropriately. Take the child aside and explain good touch/bad touch if given the opportunity (e.g., “We do not touch areas covered by a swimming suit.”). Take into account the age of the child you are working with. You should be able to talk about inappropriate touching with children ages 3 and older.
• Understand that for children who have been abused, inappropriate touching may seem “normal.” In other cases, the behavior may be used to gain attention or see how the adult will respond.
• Notify a children’s ministry staff person or pastor immediately about purposeful and inappropriate touching.

Child-Initiated Disclosure

When children disclose, they almost always do so tentatively or by accident, and may later recant even when there is proof that the abuse occurred. If questioned directly, many child victims may deny abuse. When children disclose intentionally, children may first test the adult’s reaction by pretending that the abuse happened to a friend or by supplying only a small bit of information. If a child discloses abuse to you, the following are helpful tips on how to respond in the moment:

• Do stay calm.
• Do show love and respect for the child.
• Do thank the child for telling you and praise the child’s courage.
• Do reassure the child - if they expresses guilt or concerns about getting in trouble that no matter what happened, he or she is not to blame.
• Do reassure the child that you believe him/her.
• Do not interrupt, ask the child to repeat words, or prove for details; allow the child to talk freely. Use open-ended questions such as, “What happened next?” or “Can you tell me more?”
• Do not ask leading questions or try to finish the child’s sentences.
• Do not offer false assurances, such as promising to keep the child’s disclosure a secret.
• Do let the child know what to expect next and incorporate their input where possible.
• Do protect the child immediately from the suspected offender.
• Do report the abuse to authorities and your supervisors/church leaders.
• Do document the disclosure and your report.
• Do protect the child’s right to privacy and avoid the urge to turn indiscriminately to colleagues, friends, or family for advice. Instead, turn to professionals experience in handling cases of child sexual abuse and to carefully selected individuals who can provide assistance and support to the child and you.

Policy Violations

Veritas takes policy violations very seriously. Any staff, volunteer, parent, or church member who witnesses a violation is expected to respond in an appropriate way. Veritas expects all adults to practice bystander intervention when they see a policy violation.

The abuse of children is not only a sin, but it is a serious crime. When adults report suspected child abuse to the legal authorities, their report could save a child’s life. In contrast, silence about suspected abuse brings incredible harm to victims, as well as emboldens offenders. Veritas encourages its members, both mandated reports or not, to contact the authorities immediately when a child discloses abuse, when they witness child abuse, or when they observe signs of abuse. We would also encourage the immediate notification of a Veritas elder (or other staff member, if no elders are available).

If a member of Veritas Kids or childcare is suspected of violating or violates a policy, they will be immediately removed from their role with children until the issue is resolved. The concern will then be investigated by the Leadership Council, and is subject to being reported to law enforcement, as necessary. If it is determined that the policy violation has, indeed, happened, that person will be permanently removed from their position working with kids and may face additional repercussions.

Reporting Abuse – External Process

As shared at the beginning of this document: If you suspect a child of being abused, you can contact Children Services by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Child Abuse Hotline: 614-229-7000. Individuals making reports of suspected abuse, neglect or dependency of a child should provide as much information as possible.

You will need the following information to make a report:

• Name and/or address and/or the location of the child victim
• Age of the child
• The child and any family member’s race and ethnicity, including whether or not the child or family member is Native American
• Names and addresses of the child's parents or caregivers
• Description of the alleged abuse or neglect
• Name and address of the alleged perpetrator(s), if known
• Franklin County Children Services may request that the reporter write a written report including information deemed helpful in establishing known or suspected maltreatment.

After a report is made, a child protective services investigator will interview the child, family members & others as deemed appropriate. This investigator determines if the child is being abused or is at risk for abuse. If need be, the case may be referred to local social service agencies, or to juvenile, family or criminal court.

(More information, as well as FAQ, can be found here.)

Reporting Abuse – Internal Process

In addition to reporting abuse to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, abuse should be reported and tracked within Veritas. Upon witnessing or receiving a report of abuse, witnesses shall immediately take steps to ensure the safety of the alleged victim. After the safety of the alleged victim has been secured, witnesses shall:

• Immediately contact the Veritas Kids Coordinator or Childcare Director who will then contact the parents or guardian of the alleged victim to inform them of the incident.
• Complete and submit a written report of the incident to the Veritas Kids Coordinator. (Included in Appendix)
  • This report should be submitted to the Kids Ministry Director for your congregation

This report should also be submitted to Geoff Davis (geoff.davis@veritascolumbus.com).

• From there, the Kids Ministry Director or Central Childcare Director will take all reasonable steps necessary - up to and including refusing to release a child until law enforcement has been contacted - to ensure that the alleged wrongdoer has no contact with the alleged victim pending investigation. This may include waiting until a law enforcement officer arrives before releasing a child to an alleged abuser.
• The Kids Ministry Director or Central Childcare Director will also take all steps necessary to ensure that the alleged wrongdoer is barred from further work with Veritas Kids pending the investigation.

Concluding an Investigation
In concluding an investigation of abuse, Veritas’ staff and elders will determine whether there is reasonable cause to suspect the alleged abuse occurred. In either case, Veritas’ Leadership Council shall provide a written report documenting the conclusions reached and the basis for those conclusions. The contents of the report shall be confidential unless requested by law enforcement officials.

These reports shall:

• Identify the alleged victim, the alleged wrongdoer, and all witnesses identified and contacted throughout the investigation.
• Set forth the allegations and the steps taken to investigate the allegations.
• Set forth the facts revealed by each significant witness.
• Set forth the temporary actions to be taken by elders as well as a recommendation of additional actions to be taken.

Volunteer/Worker Violation
If a volunteer or worker is suspected of being an abuser, this report should follow the same reporting process detailed above.

Leadership Violation
If someone in leadership is suspected of being an abuser, this report should be completed following the same reporting process detailed above, but should be submitted directly to the Leadership Counsel via the lead pastor of that congregation. If the lead pastor is the suspected offender, then this report may be submitted to the Leadership Counsel via Geoff Davis (geoff.davis@veritascolumbus.com). (A report of abuse should never be submitted to a pastor that is a suspected abuser or offender.)

Shepherding an Abused Child

Because children and adult survivors are reluctant to disclose abuse, Veritas acknowledges that survivors who choose to do so need our community’s utmost support. A Special Case Team, including church members who are trained professionals will consult on abuse cases, will work alongside pastors and elders to ensure proper care is given to victim.

Disciplining an Abuser

In the case of an abuser being a part of a Veritas congregation, application of church discipline shall be consistent with the biblical approach outlined in Matthew 18:15-18. As such, it is to be exercised against offenders who are members of Veritas and is overseen by the Elders.

The threefold purpose of church discipline is to glorify God by maintaining purity in the local church (1 Corinthians 5:6), to edify believers by deterring sin (1 Corinthians 5), and to promote the spiritual welfare of the offending believer by calling him or her to return to a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct (Galatians 6:1).

1. Members of Veritas and all other professing Christians who regularly attend or fellowship with this church who engage in conduct that violates Scripture as determined by an elder team (e.g., site, departmental, ad hoc, executive, all-elder council), shall be subject to church discipline.
2. Members of Veritas are not guaranteed confidentiality regarding issues of church discipline, and understand that in submitting themselves to the authority of the church, issues of a sensitive or personal nature may become known to others. This includes, but is not limited to, notification of the authorities if a crime has been committed or if a real threat of someone being endangered exists (Romans 13:1–7), as well as other violations of scripture that may not result in physical danger.
3. Those who are members of the church or who regularly participate in church activities may be dismissed from the church by the agreement of at least two elders. The dismissal of a church member may be made known to all church members. If the offense is a publicly known matter the elder team has the discretion to determine if the member’s discipline should be made known to the entire church (1 Corinthians 5:1–5).
4. A person dismissed from Veritas for disciplinary reasons may be reinstated to full membership if the person’s repentance is accepted as genuine by the elder team that oversaw the person’s discipline. Even if they are reinstated to membership, their contact with children will remain limited.
5. Each member of this church, and every other professing Christian who regularly attends or fellowships with this church, agrees that there shall be no appeal to any court because of a discipline process or dismissal. A member who is under discipline by the church, as defined in the previous paragraphs, forfeits and waives the right to resign from Veritas. Resignation is possible only by a member who is in good standing and who is not under any disciplinary action.
6. Separate and apart from the process of church discipline, but subject to the discretion and approval of the elders, a member, non-member regular participant in church activities, or other individual, may be notified that he or she is not to be present upon church premises for such a period of time as is deemed necessary for the safety and well-being of others on church premises. Such required absence may, but need not, be concurrent with church discipline of that person.
7. Separate and apart from the process of church discipline, but subject to the discretion and approval of the elders, members who have not met all of the criteria of church membership for a period of six months or longer may be removed as a member of Veritas and may be asked to no longer attend the church.

Shepherding Non-Offending Parents of an Abused Child

According to Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), a child experiencing abuse is a difficult ordeal for everyone involved. For parents who have a child victimized by abuse, there can be wide range of reactions and feelings. These may include:

• Anger. Parents may feel angry at the abuser for hurting their child or even frustrated with their child for not telling them immediately. It’s also possible to feel angry at their child for disclosing the abuse. It’s not easy news to hear, but it’s important to remember it is not their child’s fault.
• Anxiety. Parents might be anxious about responding in the “right” way to their child or navigating the other relationships in their lives, especially if they have a relationship with the abuser.
• Fear. Depending on the family circumstances, parents may be afraid that the abuser will find a way to harm the child again or be concerned about taking care of the family on their own.
• Sadness. Parents may feel sad for their child, for their family, or for themself. When a child discloses sexual abuse, it will cause changes in the life of the family. It’s OK to be upset over the changes in their lives that may result from this disclosure.
• Shock. If parents had no idea that the harm was occurring, they may be very surprised to hear what has happened.³

The parent of an abused child must be encouraged to take care of himself/herself, but should not feel as though they must go through a situation like this alone. Additionally, it is vital that the church come alongside of these families. The following are some ways in which parents may gain support:

• Talking to a counselor one-on-one. Individual counseling gives parents the chance to focus entirely on their own concerns, without needing to worry about how their child will react to those thoughts.
• Meeting with a pastor. While not all pastors are trained in crisis counseling, many people find comfort in talking to and praying with their pastor. It is also good for parents to share their experiences with the pastor, making him more aware of what is going on in his congregation.
• Meeting with Community Group Leaders. Community Group Leaders are another great source of comfort and support for a family going through a difficult time. They can provide a consistent source of love, care, and prayer - even if they cannot understand the pain of a situation.
• Working with Veritas Soul Care. While Soul Care does not offer counseling in the traditional sense, they can offer help and support during times to deep hurt.
• Developing a support system. It might be family and friends that parents trust, or it might be a support group that you didn’t have a connection with before. Either way, encouraging parents to expand their support system in difficult times is instrumental for the healing of their family.
• Setting limits. Dealing with the difficult emotions as a result of abuse can be time-consuming and draining. Encourage parents to set aside time for activities that don’t revolve around the abuse.⁴

3. https://www.rainn.org/articles/help-parents-children-who-have-been-sexually-abused-family-members

4. https://www.rainn.org/articles/help-parents-children-who-have-been-sexually-abused-family-members

I have received and have access to a copy of the Veritas Child Safeguarding Policy. I have read the entire document, understand its contents, and agree to abide by the items stated in this document.

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