Sexual Abuse



Harassment



Exploitation



Misconduct



in The United Church of Canada



WHAT IS SEXUAL ABUSE?



Acts of power, including harassment, exploitation or misconduct that demean

and/or exploit another person through jokes, inappropriate/unwanted

touching, or forced sexual activities.



HARASSMENT?



Subtle sexual suggestions, coercive sexual demands and inappropriate

physical contact that is one-sided, unwanted or unwelcome and yet

persistent. (e.g. hugging, tickling, kissing, or unusual gift-giving).



EXPLOITATION?



Taking advantage of the vulnerability and powerlessness of a person (in a

pastoral relationship) for one's own pleasure/gain.



MISCONDUCT?



Behaviour and conduct by a person in a position of authority or power in

which another person is made more powerless and vulnerable through any of

the above activities, regardless of who initiates the behaviour.



CHILD ABUSE?



Misuse of power physically, verbally, emotionally, or sexually by someone

in a position of authority over a child (under age 16). Must be reported to

authorities.



EVERYONE HAS BOUNDARIES



Yours have been crossed if:



   * You feel confused or uncomfortable with what's happening in the

     relationship.

   * You are being touched in ways that are confusing or upsetting for you.

   * You are receiving inappropriate personal gifts from the minister or

     any other person in authority.

   * You are invited by the minister or any other person in authority for

     inappropriate intimate social activities.

   * You are given theological reasons for questionable sexual conduct and

     behaviour.

   * You hear a lot about the minister's or counsellor's own problems in

     counselling sessions, rather than talking about your own.



What to do if you believe you are a victim:



   * Believe and trust yourself and your feelings.

   * Confusion is common. Find someone with knowledge and understanding of

     abuse that you can trust and with whom you can share your feelings and

     experiences.

   * Remember that you are not to blame for your victimization. The abuser

     is responsible and needs to be held accountable.

   * Contact one of the named persons in the Church who have been trained

     to listen to you and to respond appropriately. This person can offer

     you guidance and support.

   * Know that a policy and process is in place for dealing with complaints

     and instances of sexual abuse/harassment/exploitation in the church.

   * Remember that you may not be the only victim of your abuser. Most

     abusers have multiple victims who may or may not be known to each

     other.



What happens if I make a complaint?



   * A trained Consultant will be assigned to explain all the options open

     to you for your consideration and to work with you in decision-making.

   * You will be provided with information about the Church's policy and

     procedures.

   * You will remain in control of any decisions about proceeding further,

     up to the point where a Formal Hearing is called. (Except in a case

     involving a child under the age of 16.)

   * Your complaint will be treated with utmost care and confidence within

     the guidelines of the Church's policies and procedures.

   *  You will be treated with care and respect by the Consultants and

     others assigned to follow through on your complaint within the Church.

   * Your Consultant will share with you the implications (as much as

     possible) of the various options and decisions open to you at each

     step in the process to enable you to make informed choices.



What about Child Abuse?



B.C. laws require that anyone who SUSPECTS or receives a DISCLOSURE of

abuse of a child must report to the Ministry of Social Services or the

R.C.M.P. There is a 24 hour service operated by the Ministry of Social

Services - dial zero and ask for ZENITH 1234.



Note that clergy, therapists and doctors are not exempt from this mandate

to report.



The report is confidential and you may phone the Zenith 1234 line to ask

for advice as well.



For further information please contact the BC Conference Office

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