I will somewhat agree with Moshe that JW's are probably not statistically more likely to beat their wives and kids than others, but it is their policies that make it harder to come forward to end abuse when it happens. Even sticking with the 2-witness rule, they could stand by an "alledged" victim and encourage them to go to authorities and to victim-counselors. Imagine what a difference that alone could make instead of hushing things up because it will look bad for "Jehovah's organization." If they stood by victims w/o judging guilt, then they could ditch the 2-witness rule as far as warning the cong. and just inform them of the presence of pedophiles. As far as battered wives go, JW's have always discouraged the wife from doing anything about it but to be a better subserviant wife.
does the society help or hinder
by therevealer 20 Replies latest jw friends
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therevealer
As reprehensible as child abuse is and as poignantly as many have presented their feelings of disgust. the thread starts out as spousal abuse. And just as the witness policies exsasperate child abuse they do as well with spousal abuse. Numerous posts have shone the light on the ill advised advice given by servants in the congregations who simply are over their heads. Many times sisters are told to try to make a situation that is simply dangerous work instead of being given the proper help of getting out of a dangerously abusive relationship.
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TotallyADD
Amen outlaw. Totally ADD
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Hairyhegoat
The JW'S are hindering free thinking. They want you to obey the WT and be like a robot from day one. My dog has big teeth and a full blader
HHG
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GLTirebiter
As a Bible-based organization, we must adhere to what the Scriptures say, namely, "No single witness should rise up against a man respecting any error or any sin . . ."
A Bible-based religion would know that this passage is discussing discpline within the congregation, not re-interpreting the laws of the land. Christians will certainly "render unto Caesar" all that is due under Caesar's law, not applying their own personal interpretation. So let's look at a typical reporting law and see what is required, which you can look up at the Dept. of Health and Human Services:
Texas Family Code § 261.101; 261.202
The requirement to report applies without exception to an individual whose personal communications may otherwise be privileged, including an attorney, a member of the clergy, a medical practitioner, a social worker, a mental health professional, and an employee of a clinic or health-care facility that provides reproductive services.
In a proceeding regarding the abuse or neglect of a child, evidence may not be excluded on the ground of privileged communication except in the case of communication between an attorney and client.
§ 261.109
A person commits an offense if the person has cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect and knowingly fails to report in accordance with the reporting laws.
The secular authorities also apply the two-witness rule to adults in a court of law unless there's physical evidence of rape or physical abuse
Now I'm no lawyer, but I don't see anything here about "two witnesses," nor about "substantial evidence". The standard for reporting for reporting according this statute is merely "cause to believe" that harm "may" have occurred. The higher standard of proof is for the courts to determine, not you, not me, and not the board of elders.
Otherwise, the complaint will simply go on record unless there's a confession or another complaint against the same person.
That is exactly why any credible suspicion of abuse must be reported! There could very well be another witness that you, I, and the b.o.e. do not know about. We are not investigators, we are not prosecuting or defense attorneys, we are not judges. These matters are for the legal system to weigh, not individuals. That is why the reporting laws say what they do.
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jamiebowers
Dear jamiebowers, I did not know you went though this. I am so sorry for you. What you did was right for your situation and don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Don't let the ignornace of some poeple get you so upset. They don't know or don't understand what it is like to be abused by a pervert in the congregation and what it does to your emotional well being.
Thanks, TotallyADD, but don't worry about me. I was just expressing some righteous indignation. It pisses me off when the Watchtower or its apologists try to blame the victims instea of facing up to their failed policies.
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Spade
A Bible-based religion would know that this passage is discussing discpline within the congregation, not re-interpreting the laws of the land. Christians will certainly "render unto Caesar" all that is due under Caesar's law, not applying their own personal interpretation. So let's look at a typical reporting law and see what is required, which you can look up at the Dept. of Health and Human Services:
Texas Family Code § 261.101; 261.202
The requirement to report applies without exception to an individual whose personal communications may otherwise be privileged, including an attorney, a member of the clergy, a medical practitioner, a social worker, a mental health professional, and an employee of a clinic or health-care facility that provides reproductive services.
In a proceeding regarding the abuse or neglect of a child, evidence may not be excluded on the ground of privileged communication except in the case of communication between an attorney and client.
§ 261.109
A person commits an offense if the person has cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect and knowingly fails to report in accordance with the reporting laws.
All you have to do is scroll down and read the next paragraph and the policy clearly addresses your concern.
http://www.jw-media.org/aboutjw/article23.htm
However, even if the elders cannot take congregational action, they are expected to report the allegation to the branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses in their country, if local privacy laws permit. In addition to making a report to the branch office, the elders may be required by law to report even uncorroborated or unsubstantiated allegations to the authorities. If so, the elders receive proper legal direction to ensure that they comply with the law. Additionally, the victim or anyone else who has knowledge of the allegation may wish to report the matter to the authorities, and it is his or her absolute right to do so.
What was stated has nothing to do with reporting but something to do with how the matter is treated in a congregation judicial committee or a secular court of law.
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sabastious
Spade, given the Watchtower's reputation an "offical statement" like that isn't worth much.
-Sab
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OUTLAW
In addition to making a report to the branch office, the elders may be required by law
to report even uncorroborated or unsubstantiated allegations to the authorities.....Spade/AliceInWonderLand
A phone call to the Authorities..As directed by the WBT$..
From an Anonymous JW Elder,in an Anonymous Phone Booth..
Is`nt worth Shit..
It`s a WBT$ Legal Game..
To hide the WBT$ from any and all,Bad Publicity..
"Hello Police..I`d like to Report Sexual Child Abuse"..
"I can`t give you any Names,Dates or Places..Good-Bye"..
That JW Elder `s Legal Responsibility is now Done..
AND..
The WBT$ and the WBT$/JW Pedophile are now Protected..
...........................
...OUTLAW -
GLTirebiter
However, even if the elders cannot take congregational action, they are expected to report the allegation to the branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses in their country, if local privacy laws permit. In addition to making a report to the branch office, the elders may be required by law to report even uncorroborated or unsubstantiated allegations to the authorities
Note the order of precedence: first report to the branch if legally possible, then maybe report to the legal authorities only if legally compelled. Remember the honor code of the service academies, which ends "...nor tolerate those who do." Those who are in a position to aid the cause of justice, but withhold their best efforts to do so, are tolerating the offense. They may successfully walk the sophist tightrope and claim to comply with the letter of the law, but they are acting unethically never the less.
