Sexual Abuse of Children

Sexual Abuse of Children - Part 1

Did you know that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18?*

Did you know that 91% of childhood sexual abuse victims are abused by someone known and trusted by the child’s family?

Did you know that in the United States, 1 in 5 women will be raped in their lifetime?

Did you know that in 8 out of 10 rape cases, the victim knows the perpetrator?

During the month of November, HAVEN of Mercy’s Facebook page will be focusing on sexual abuse.

Sometimes it's tempting to think of sexual abuse as something that happens "out there", but sadly, the statistics are an accurate representation of the church population as well.

But there is hope. Our ultimate hope is in our Savior Who can turn the hearts of perpetrators and Whose Word can comfort the hearts of the oppressed.

Our wise Father also graciously provides a multitude of resources so that we can better understand the dynamics and impacts of sexual abuse, and therefore learn how to respond to these complex and traumatic situations...both as individuals and as institutions. We will be sharing many of these resources this month.

As always, if you have any questions about the theme of the month that you would like us to answer, please send us a message.

Join us this month in praying for the safety and healing of sexual abuse victims in our midst and for the full and true repentance of perpetrators.

*Statistics from www.cdc.gov and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

Comments

Called to Peace

Most of us would agree that the lessons we have learned by experience are longer-lasting, cause deeper change, and are more poignant than those of other people, as relayed to us by them. Our own trials teach us so much about our hearts and the heart of God that, while we would never want others to have to experience the pain and turmoil of the darkest times in our lives, we WOULD wish on them the lessons learned, the deeper relationship with God we have as a result of those journeys through the “valley of the shadow of death,” and the beautiful blooms of new grace evident in our lives because of the paths He has led us down . Solomon instructs us in Proverbs 21:11 that “when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.” Living in wisdom (living in Christ, who is wisdom) means seeking out instruction, receiving that instruction, and receiving knowledge through it. As Spurgeon said, “wisdom is knowledge rightly used.” 1 I am thankful that we may a...

HAVEN '24

Upcoming Conference HAVEN '24: A Biblical and Compassionate Response to Abuse in the Church HAVEN of Mercy invites you to hear advocate and survivor Rachael DenHollander and pastor and counselor Chris Moles speak at our conference on domestic and sexual abuse. Rachael and Chris will each give three speeches with an opportunity for questions and meet-and-greet. Information about tickets, paid livestream options, and sponsorship opportunities will be available soon. When: January 12 & 13 Where: Fair Haven Church, Hudsonville MI Here is a link to the tickets for the conference. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ 717318919197?aff=oddtdtcreator

Justin & Lindsey Holcomb "Things Parents & Caregivers Can Do To Protect ...

“1 in 5 children will be abused before their 18th birthday. In the United States this would be the entire Pacific and Mountain time zones’ population combined. Most children know their abusers- 34% are family members, 59% are acquaintances, and only 7% of perpetrators are strangers. Too many parents have a false sense of security and minimize the possible threats in front of them.” Here’s an insightful video from Justin and Lindsey Holcomb, authors of Rid of My Disgrace and God Made All of Me, on helping parents and caregivers learn steps they can take to keep their children safe.

Haven of Mercy

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