Hello Matrix :o)
I was struck by your first numbered response.
*I asked myself, what would I have done if Erica (from the Dateline show) would have come to me as an elder. These are the steps that I would have followed:
1. I would have hugged her.*
Unfortunately, although as a very concerned individual this might be a natural response, I think that this could also be a potentially *dangerous* reaction as a MALE elder to a FEMALE victim of a MALE paedophile, particularly if you were alone with her.
Maybe you are a female and/or hadn't thought of the possible ramifications of such an action and/or hadn't been given adequate advice against the advisability of such a reaction ......?
Many female victims of male child abusers would not welcome such an approach by another male - their previous traumatic experience will be too fresh in their minds; they will be suspicious; they will no doubt be terrified, traumatised, emotionally and physically scarred, withdrawn etc etc.
In this day and age and with the knowledge that we now possess, a process which requires a victim, especially a female victim, of a male abuser - and more especially a small child - to answer the questions of untrained and inexperienced adult males - I consider totally insensitive, extremely foolish and inordinately crass.
There are many possible ramifications resulting from child abuse - the untrained should *concernedly* point the victims in the direction of the *experts* imo. This would be how I would interpret the Biblical injunctions.
I understand you wishing to give comfort to the victim by giving a hug. Unfortunately, in the society in which we find ourselves, and in the situation which you describe, this is not necessarily the most compassionate nor practical beginning.
If the child was accompanied by a parent whom he/she trusted, I would suggest that this would be the right person to hug them at this point. I would be shedding tears of grief and compassion for the victim ......
'Innocence can never be regained.' Mine.
