What does the elder manual say the procedure is when someone reports child abuse? My father in law is telling my wife that is says to go straight to the proper authorities... I have a hard time buying that since thats not what the watchtowers I've seen have said! Any one have the low down on this?
What does the elder manual say the procedure is?
by mkr32208 29 Replies latest watchtower scandals
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Mulan
All I know is that when it happened in our congregation, the elders (including my husband) immediately called New York. They were told that the law says they didn't have to report it in our State.
But the manual may have changed since 1997.
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amac
I don't have a elder's manual, but I have seen the BOE letters. The current policy is that if there is an accusation they are told to call the society right away. The society finds out what state they are in. If the state requires reporting, them tell them to notify the authorities. If the state does not require reporting, then they tell them to ask the accused if it is true. If they deny it, then they drop the whole thing unless a second accusation comes forward.
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Elsewhere
It depends on which state they are in.
If they are in a mandatory report state, then they report.
If they are not in a mandatory report state, they ask the victim if they have two or more witnesses to the molestation, if not they ask the accused. If the accused denies everything they drop the matter. If they have two or more witnesses, or the accused confesses to the molestation they will decide how to punish the person (DF, Public Reprove, Private Reprove or removal of "privileges"). They will NOT report anything to the authorities. If the victim reports the molestation to the authorities on their own, they face the possibility of being DFed for "bringing reproach on Jehover's name".
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minimus
If it suits their purpose, they will either legally do the right thing OR if they can get away with it, make YOU prove to THEM that what you accuse is supportable by more than 1 unbiased witness. Remember, if the elders feel a "witness" is biased, they do not need to accept their testimony!
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AlanF
The elders manual has nothing directly to say about reporting child molestation. All of the Society's policies are transmitted either in BOE letters or given orally through COs and DOs and the Service Department. That way there's little traceability.
AlanF
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minimus
Telephone conversaation is even better!
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blondie
At the last elders' school, they were told to:
Call Legal
Call Legal
Call Legal
And Legal would decide if they are required to report.
Whatever
Call Legal
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AK - Jeff
I think that Blondie is right - I am going to check it and get the quote from the elder's manual.
BRB
Jeff
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AK - Jeff
First mention of sexual abuse in the book (I think)
Pay Attention Page 17
Elders must be both just and merciful in their dealings
with others.Someone who has been a victim of physical, emo-
tional, or sexual abuse seeks your help? (w90 2/15
pp. 21-3; w83 10/1 pp. 27-31 )Though not directed precisely at child abuse the following might apply;
In my digital copy, I found no other specific references to this issue - but it may be in later editions since the issue has become such a political one for them.Page 138
Though it is not the responsibility of the Christian
congregation to enforce Caesar's laws, yet the very nature
of some crimes demands that they be reported to secular
authorities.It may be necessary to encourage the wrongdoer to turn
himself in to secular authorities. Before any steps are
taken in this regard, contact the branch office. of course,
review the latest Society directives on such matters before
proceeding. Although not enforcers of Caesar's laws, in cases that also
involve the breaking of God's law, elders must give
consideration to what has taken place.For what it is worth.
Jeff