Hello all :o)
A few have indicated the link to the videos which have just been put up online and I have just watched the one featuring J R Brown, Dr Infante, and Messrs Sinclair and Brumley.
Having typed out the transcript as the one provided didn't follow the audio exactly, I thought that others might be interested in reading a printed version.
*Jehovah's Witnesses Policy on Dealing with Child Abuse
J R Brown: We've heard the suggestion that our policies may not be adequate to cover the problem of child molestation. But that's not the case at all. The fact of the matter is we have a very aggressive policy (those 2 words spoken with emphasis - but the clickable link for the words *aggressive policy* did not seem to provide a *policy* as such) to handle child molestation in the congregations. And it is primarily designed to protect our children. And then it also is in compliance with the laws of the land, or the state, so that there is not a conflict.
Dr Infante: I think that's a very good policy, umm, that the er, elders er, you know, essentially would take charge of the situation of reporting the abuse to the authorities if there is no, you know adult, in auth(ority), any other adult in authority to do that, to protect the child.
Mr Sinclair: If we didn't have a policy, it might be confusing to some who have never dealt with things like that before, like I had never dealt with it before. You are not sure where to turn for help. But when you know that there is a policy in place - that you can go and get the help that's needed - that is very comforting. And then, within the congregation, through the arrangement of the congregation, you can provide the spiritual help and the encouragement to get over the difficulties that the individuals have faced in their childhood.
Mr Brumley: There are instances when a situation that should have been reported is not. Or where care should have been extended and it was not. But to say that the policy is not followed perfectly is a far cry from saying that there exists a policy to affirmatively minimize, or hide this problem. The policy that Jehovah's Witnesses have on how to handle cases of child molestation is without equal in the religious community.*
Having watched the footage through several times, there are some interesting body language features I thought, but also a most striking statement and *recovery/correction* by Dr Infante I felt which rather threw doubt on the statement made by this lady.
Which of those appearing on the videos is not involved in the organisation? And have they been provided with the *other side of the story* so that they can do some research?
Just thinking out loud here!
{{{{to all silentlambs everywhere}}}}}
