UCC Sexual Abuse Policy and Information

Sexual Harassment

Exploitation, Assault

It's All Sexual Abuse!

SEXUAL ABUSE POLICY STATEMENT

The United Church of Canada will not tolerate and will seek to eradicate, any behaviour by its members, lay and Order of Ministry, volunteers, adherents or employees which constitutes sexual abuse (sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, pastoral sexual misconduct, sexual assault) or child abuse.

The United Church is committed to providing a safe environment for worship, work, and study in all Pastoral Charges, Congregations, Institutions, Agencies, Organizations, or other bodies which operate under its name. Complaints related to sexual abuse or child abuse will be taken seriously and dealt with in a spirit of compassion and justice.

WHAT IS SEXUAL ABUSE?

any demeaning/exploitative behaviour of a sexual nature
it may include threats of such behaviour
abusive sexual acts are primarily acts of power

It may include:

unwanted sexual attention in the form of remarks, jokes or innuendo about a person's body, clothing, or sexual activity
displaying of suggestive or pornographic material
unnecessary physical contact such as touching, patting, pinching, or punching, and physical assault
indirect or explicit invitations to engage in sexual activities which may include a promise of reward for complying or a threat of reprisal for not complying

Sexual abuse or harassment happens with no preference for age, race, appearance, or occupation. Women and men are victims. It may involve the abuse of:

a person in the congregation by a minister
a minister by a church official or another minister
a lay employee by a church official
a parishioner by a parishioner

WHAT SEXUAL ABUSE IS NOT

It is not a relationship of mutual consent.
It is not the expression of friendship between friends.
It is not flirtation.

Regarding Child Abuse
Any cases involving legal minors need to be reported to appropriate authorities. In the Province of Ontario, any abuse of a person 16 years of age and younger is reported to the Children's Aid Society.

CONSULTANTS

A group of people in London Conference, clergy and lay, are Consultants trained in United Church policies and procedures, available to listen to you.

If you believe that you have experienced some form of sexual abuse in your church relationships. . .
If you are just confused about something that is happening or has happened to you and think that it may be sexual abuse. . .
If you need help. . .

Please call any one of the following persons:

Algoma Area
Marilyn Billings, Public Health Nurse, Lay Pastoral Minister	(705) 842-6981
Margaret Cameron, Retired Teacher, Lay Preacher, Active Volunteer	(705) 254-1814
Chatham Area
Maureen Geddes, Certified Human Resource Professional	(519) 354-4260
Curtis Marwood, Retired Ordained Minister	(519) 676-9595
London Area
Anne Beattie-Stokes, Ordained Minister	(519) 434-5526
Tom Hiscock, Ordained Minister	(519) 673-4803
Frank Meadows, Retired Ordained Minister	(519) 657-6893
London Area North
Dorothy Chapman, Police Commission experience, Human Potential Certificate	(519) 235-1644
Sarnia Area
Elaine Walker, Active Lay Person, Hospital Chaplain	(519) 542-7895
Stratford Area
Marg Smith, Ordained Minister	(519) 275-3571
Windsor Area
Joyce McManus, Ordained Minister, Social Worker	(519) 975-2252

WHAT TO DO IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE BEING SEXUALLY ABUSED:

Believe and trust yourself and your feelings.
Remember that it is not your fault. The abuser is responsible for his/her own behaviour.
Protect yourself by keeping a detailed written account of every incident.
Talk to someone you trust to hear and support you. The Consultants listed are church people who are available to talk to you. They are skilled listeners. They know the options available to you and will help you sort out which actions best suit you and your situation.
Know that a policy and process is in place in the United Church to deal with complaints about sexual abuse in the church.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MAKE A COMPLAINT?

A Consultant will explain all the options open to you and will work with you in decision-making.
You will be provided with information about the United Church's policy and procedures.
Your complaint will be taken seriously and will be treated with appropriate confidentiality.
You will be treated with compassion and respect.

WHAT IF I WANT TO KNOW MORE?

London Conference of the United Church has appointed a Coordinating Committee to:

educate and inform the church community and
provide a network of assistance to persons who may be abused within the United Church.

The Coordinating Committee Against Sexual Abuse is a resource. It welcomes the opportunity to do workshops on issues of abuse within church settings and keeps an updated list of Consultants. The Chairperson is David Maxwell 519-628-5807.

A copy of the full policy is available from:

London Conference Office
759 Hyde Park Road, Suite 252
London, ON N6H 3S2
Telephone (519) 672-1930 Fax (519) 439-2800

or in The Manual 2001 of the United Church

Last updated April 3, 2002

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