PC134-712 - Child Abuse in Christian Communities: Prevention and Response

  • 2,784 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 7
    AQF level
  • Category advanced unit
    C
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Functional knowledge and understanding of theological and legal issues Related to child protection and factors that contribute to safe and unsafe environments in ministry contexts.

B. Be able to

1. Explore the biblical teaching on the significance of the child in the Kingdom of God
2. Discuss the varieties of abuse (physical, emotional, by neglect, sexual and spiritual).
3. Explain behaviours and indicators that suggest the experience of abuse.
4. Critically connect the factors that contribute to unsafe practice.
5. Present a Critical evidence-based child protection

C. Be in a position to

Be capable of applying perspectives and skills from the unit as a reflective practitioner to ministry practice and contemporary Christian living.

Content

Introduction
Historical survey of Christian responses to child abuse
Definition, categories and indicators of abuse
 

Biblical and theological foundations
The use and misuse of Scripture
A biblical theology of children
Leadership and responsibility for the protection of the vulnerable
Justice, accountability, forgiveness and church discipline
The relationship between church and civil authorities
 

The nature and impact of abuse
Those who experience abuse
Those who inflict abuse
The role of organisations in facilitating abuse
 

Prevention
Strategies in the family.
Best practice for an organisation.
An Overview of the Victorian Child Safe Standards
Responsibility for prevention in Christian communities
 

Response
Responding to reports of abuse
Legal responsibilities for reporting abuse to police, etc
Pastoral support of those responsible for abuse
Managing the impact of abuse on an organisation

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Prescribed:
Tchividjian, B. and S. M. Berkovits, eds,
The Child Safeguarding Policy for Church Ministries
(Greensborough: New Growth Press, 2017).
 

Recommended:
Bakke, O. M., When Children Became People: The Birth of Childhood in Early Christianity (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2005).
Botha, Pieter J., “Young bodies and religion: exploring the role of religion in child abuse,” Religion & Theology, 9.1 (2002), 42-62.
Bunge, Marcia J., ed., The Child in Christian Thought (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001).
Langberg, Diane M., Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse (AACC Counselling Library; Longwood: Xulon Press, 2003).
Nakazawa, Donna J., Childhood Disrupted: How your biography becomes your biology, and how you can heal (New York: Atria Books, 2015).
Raju, Deepak, On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church (Greensborough: New Growth Press 2014).
Salter, Anna, Predators: Pedophiles, Rapists, & Other Sex Offenders: Who They Are, How They Operate, and How We Can Protect Ourselves and Our Children (New York: Basic Books, 2003).
Stafford, Wess, Too Small to Ignore: Why the least of these matters most (Colorado Springs: Waterbrook, 2007).
Tchividjian, Basyle, Protecting Children from Abuse in the Church: Steps to Prevent and Respond (Greensborough: New Growth Press, 2013).
Tracy, Steven, Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008).
Troftgruben, Troy M, “Toxic Theology: A Pastoral Response to Bible Passages Often Used to Justify the Abuse of Children or Prevent Them from Seeking Care,” Currents in Theology and Mission, 45.3 (2018), 56-60.
Vieth, Victor I., “What Would Walther Do? Applying Law & Gospel to Victims and Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse,” Journal of Psychology & Theology 257 (2012).
 

Online:
Australia. Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Final report. Canberra, A.C.T. : Australian Government, 2018. [Accessed online 4/2/2020]
https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/final_report_-_recommendations.pdf
Inquiry Into The Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Organisations (2013): (Betrayal of Trust, Inquiry; Victoria). [Accessed online