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safeguarding
VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF TRAUMA: JESUS GIVES US THE STANDARD
  • Matthew 18:6 (NLT): But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.
  • Mark 12:38-40 (NLT): 38Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. 39And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. 40Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.”
  • Psalm 11:5 (NLT): The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.
  • Psalm 73:6 (NLT): They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty.
  • Proverbs 3:31 (NLT): Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.
  • Proverbs 24:2 (NLT): For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble.
  • Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT): 19Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
  • Jeremiah 9:6 (NLT): They pile lie upon lie and utterly refuse to acknowledge me,” says the Lord.
  • Jeremiah 22:16 (NLT): [King Josiah] He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn’t that what it means to know me?” says the Lord.
  • Psalms 9:9 and 12 (NLT): 9The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble…12He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer.
  • Exodus 22:21-23 (NLT): 21“You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. 22“You must not exploit a widow or an orphan. 23If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry.
RESOURCES AND REPORTING FOR LEADERS: CREATING A SAFE COMMUNITY

Victory Church is committed to seeing that our church community is a safe place for children, vulnerable adults and all persons. We have clear policies and practices in place, but safety is a community-wide endeavor. Most abuse in a church community occurs on the fringes, in unofficial settings, so we must all be aware.

I (as a part of Victory Church) must report any type of abuse to the proper authorities first. In compliance with our care for the vulnerable as well as State and Federal laws, we need to report all suspicions of abuse or neglect immediately.

HOW TO REPORT ABUSE

Then, I can notify a staff member who oversees the area in which I serve. If I need help reporting to the authorities, then I can talk to a staff member to get help or support in reporting.

Abuse against a minor, call Pennsylvania Childline Hotline: 1-800-932-0313.

Abuse against a vulnerable adult, call Protective Services Hotline: 1-800-490-8505.

There are four primary forms of abuse to look out for:

  • Physical abuse: A physical act or threat of harm toward anyone which may cause harm.
  • Sexual: Physical contact or language between a perpetrator and another person. This includes exploitation through photographs, videos, and language.
  • Emotional abuse: Acts or omissions by a parent or caregiver that cause or could cause behavioral, cognitive, emotional disorders.
  • Neglect: Failure to provide for the child or vulnerable adults most basic needs. This includes adequate adult supervision, medical attention, housing, food, or clothing.

I understand that I am responsible for reporting suspected abuse to the proper authorities then to the appropriate staff person who oversees the area in which I serve. It is not my responsibility to investigate and in no instance will I confront any parent or caregiver.

CREATING SAFE BOUNDARIES WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY.

If there is a disclosure, any evidence or knowledge, or any reasonable belief of harassment or violation of proper boundaries against an adult, all persons within Victory Church are encouraged to report as soon as possible to a member of the Safeguarding Team. The Safeguarding Team member shall immediately inform the entire team (except a member or partner of a member involved in any allegation). 

Who is the Safeguarding Team?
The Safeguarding Team is responsible for equipping the community of Victory Church for effective prevention and response. Currently, our Safeguarding Team is a group of 4-6 members and includes women and men who have a variety of ministry backgrounds and have a professional understanding of abuse and trauma.

Duties of the Safeguarding Team

 ● Implement and oversee compliance with the Victory Church Abuse Policy
 ● Maintain rigorous familiarity with the Victory Church Abuse Policy
● Brief all staff, volunteers, and members on the application of the policy on a regular basis
 ● Receive, document, and respond to any policy violations or concerning behavior
● Lead in responding to any allegations of abuse
● Audit the screening of pastors, officers, staff, and volunteers conducted by ministry teams.
● Complete continuing education from a qualified organization on an annual basis
** The Safeguarding Team will not be investigating or providing counseling to victims or those affected by allegations. They will be able to gather information and respond by referring to professionals and proper authorities.**
Meet The Safeguarding Team

Melissa Falk
Ty Williams
Chinell Collins
Christine Dehmey
James Grasty
Missy Knechel

I'D LIKE TO MAKE A REPORT

Please fill out the form with the link below.

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