Mennonite Central Committee

Caring for our children

Spring is arriving and it is wonderful to see the grass turning green and trees starting to bud. But another reality remains with us. April is "Child Abuse Awareness Month" in the U.S. This is a sober reminder that while childhood is often viewed as the springtime of life - a time for exuberance, growth and joy - many children instead experience pain, shame and terror. It is especially tragic that much of this abuse is done by those who should be nurturing and protecting the child.

According to U.S. sources, over 1400 children died as a result of abuse or neglect in 2002 - an average of four children every day. Over 75% of these children were under 4 years of age and in almost 80% of these cases, one or both parents were involved. Unfortunately, most practitioners believe these figures are low due to under-reporting and varying definitions of abuse. In addition, millions more children suffer mistreatment and its long-term effects, even though they are able to survive physically. See National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, at: nccanch.acf.hhs.gov

Statistics Canada reports that in 2001, 69 children were murdered in Canada, representing 12% of total homicides that year. Further, "...child battering and other forms of maltreatment were the primary cause of injury for children under 10 years of age." In 2002, children represented 23% of Canada's population and 24% of all victims of assaults reported to a subset of 94 police departments. See Family Violence in Canada: A Statistical Profile, Statistics Canada, Catalogue, No. 85-224, 2003 and 2004 reports, available online at:
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/familyviolence/pdfs/2003famvioprofil_e.pdf
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/familyviolence/pdfs/85-224-XIE2004000.pdf

How can the church respond? First and foremost, we can show children love and respect. We can tell them they are important and special, they are not alone, and abuse is not their fault. We can tell them stories about how Jesus honored and blessed children. (Mark 9: 33-37, Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 18: 18:6,10) We can assure them of God's never-ending love. As God declares: "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands...." (Is. 49:15-16a)

Churches can also provide information and assistance. A bulletin insert is available from The FaithTrust Institute (www.faithtrustinstitute.org) which describes the scope of the problem, and suggests helpful responses and resources. For additional services for victims in Canada, check the Toronto Child Abuse Center web site: www.tcac.on.ca. In the U.S., go to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information at nccanch.acf.hhs.gov.

Together, we can - and must - work together to care for and protect our children.

 

Psalm of Blessing

by Joyce Munro

You can trust your journey through darkest night,
for you have light!

God's tenderness surrounds you
and you are not alone.
You are making your way to the waters of peace,
and you can ask for help along the journey.

Even though you walk through the valley of deep pain,
you need not be afraid.
Anger salves the raw wound, and
tears must flow to cleanse.

In the presence of your enemies,
May healers anoint you with oil,
Friends spread a table before you,
and offer you rest;

May God bathe you in stillness,
breathe with you,
murmuring comfort
in the hour when you have lost hope or strength.

For goodness and mercy belong to you
this day and all the days of your life.
So dance joy,
laugh loud hallelujahs,
or leap hosannas.
You deserve God's peace
and shall dwell in it forever!

 

From "Sexual Abuse in Christian Homes and Churches", by Carolyn Holderread Heggen, Herald Press, 1993, p. 157

 

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