NEVER SUGGEST TO ANYONE THAT THEY SHOULD NOT REPORT AN ALLEGATION OF CHILD ABUSE TO THE POLICE OR OTHER AUTHORITIES.
Why does this just sound sleezy?? Just saying this to protect the org?
Current policy regarding child molesters
by loosie 16 Replies latest watchtower child-abuse
-
watson
-
MidwichCuckoo
NEVER SUGGEST TO ANYONE THAT THEY SHOULD NOT REPORT AN ALLEGATION OF CHILD ABUSE TO THE POLICE OR OTHER AUTHORITIES.
Which implies the opposite too - so don't suggest either way.
-
cedars
Basically, the Society got smart and realized that they needed to insist that elders DO NOT try to dissuade parents from contacting the police, as this could land them in serious legal trouble. However, the important information in these instructions is conspicuous by its absense. Just as elders wouldn't DISSUADE parents from contacting the police, they wouldn't PERSUADE them to do this either, which is precisely what they should be doing.
Watchtower sympathizers are trying to shift the burden of responsibility back on the parents or even the victim, claiming that they're the ones who should be contacting the authorities regardless, and the elders aren't the police. However, anyone who has spent any time as a Witness knows full well that, the moment something wrong happens (no matter how serious), the elders are always the first ones that a victim or his or her family will call. The elder will then say things like "you've done the right thing telling me about this, leave this with us and we will get back to you". All the while the clock is ticking, and the police aren't being called. Instead, the legal department is being contacted and being given the chance to pull the strings from the outset, during which time important DNA evidence is growing stale.
People who try to shift the blame onto parents or victims are either in denial or simply do not know how these things work in practice.
Cedars
-
InquiryMan
Found this on how it is done in Norway: (translated by google translate)
Indicted sect leader can be in church
A leader of the Jehovah's Witnesses in northern Rogaland is accused of assaulting a 13-year-old girl. But if he is convicted, he can still get to be in the church.
PUBLISHED
30.01.2004 00:00
The alleged crime must have happened eighteen years ago. The girl and her mother were members of Jehovah's Witnesses, while the defendant who is in his 30s was in the so-called "elders." The Council is the executive organ of the current church.
The man acted as overseer. The position is to teach members of the biblical issues. Police said the cult leader have touched the young girl. He is accused of sexual offenses under Penal Code section 200, 2 paragraph. Police believe he abused his position when the alleged relationship took place in defendant's home.
No comments
Sect leader's lawyer, Harald Hetland, declined to comment. Aid attorney for the girl, Roe Lauvås will not say anything about the victim will require redress or compensation before the case starts in Karmsund District 18 February.
If the man is acquitted, this is no problem for the church. But the sect leader is convicted of a sexual act, he can still get to continue an active member.
There is not automatically a member who has been convicted of assault are excluded, says Tom Frisvold, Head of Jehovah's Witnesses Norway. He emphasizes that his statements in general.
If a member is convicted of assault ends with such and show remorse, he may be allowed to continue as a member.
Must be secure
How can you know that the person does not commit new offenses?
We must be sure. If there is any doubt, he or she is thrown out.
How can you be sure?
There are no guarantees. The most important thing for us is that the children protected from predators. We must do everything we can to ensure that they are not allowed to be alone with children. He lost the leading position forever. To the extent that it is legal and possible, we make other members aware of the relationship, says Frisvold.
Healthy minds
A so-called overseer shall be qualified for the position. The requirements according to the CIO that the man has healthy mind is a reasonable and proper man and a loving, reliable husband. Only men can have such a responsible position in the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Frisvold emphasizes that Jehovah's Witnesses reject the abuse of children and that the sect see this as a crime. He encourages members to cooperate with the police.
-
InquiryMan
bttt
-
loosie
thank you everyone. I can give this person the info they need. This board is awesome.
-
flipper
To the WT society it's all about covering their legal liability. If WT leaders were REALLY concerned about child abuse victims they'd make it MANDATORY for elders to report child abuse allegations to police authorities FIRST, then contact Bethel legal. But WT leaders are too stupid and arrogant to do that. Then they'd be admitting fault and they cannot afford to look weak, inferior, or NOT God approved to rank & file JW's. So they stubbornly dig themselves deeper into a hole. Really amazingly unethical, inhumane , and boorish behavior when you sit and think about it ! Peace out, Mr. Flipper