Children are abused at alarming rates. In the United States, roughly 2/3 of children go through at least one “adverse childhood experience.” The heavy physical, emotional, and relational toll of abuse are widely accepted, but the spiritual impact of abuse has often been overlooked. Churches, ministries, and all Christians must better understand and respond to the spiritual impact of child maltreatment.

For 30 years I kept a secret that almost killed me. That same secret was kept by many other little boys. We were all victimized by the same man, yet none of us knew it was happening to the other. Those secrets caused pain, shame, guilt. And it cost one of us his life.

Watch the recorded discussion about child safeguarding and survivor care during COVID-19 led by Boz Tchividijian, with special guest Rachael Denhollander, and including GRACE board members Laura Thien, Justin Holcomb, and Victor Vieth.

A resource for the Church on sexual abuse, the Valued Conference featured GRACE board members and fellow advocates in March, 2019.

In this guest post, we are taught the best protection for our children is through recognition of the danger.

Boz Tchividjian reflects on one of Satan’s most successful tactics: how abuse pushes children away from God.

GRACE Board Member Victor Vieth shares strategies for developing effective policies for preventing child maltreatment.

Victor Vieth examines what happens while investigating child maltreatment sanctioned or condoned by a religious leader.

The facts about child abuse, as compiled by Anna Salter, author of Predators.

A Proposal for a Federal International Mandated Reporting Law

Some concluding thoughts on April’s annual Sexual Abuse Awareness Month.

Examining the crisis of culpability at Hillsong Church when pastor Brian Houston failed to report his predator father, Frank Houston, to authorities.

Michael Reagan and Jerome Elam, both survivors of childhood sexual abuse, write about the unique dynamics and devastating stigmas.

Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis explains how the Black church can directly confront child abuse, beginning within its own community.

Examining SharedHope’s Demanding Justice Report which has detailed findings on the commercial exploitation of children.

If child molesters depend upon our ignorance in order to hurt little ones, what steps can the faith community take to eliminate the edge and make sure that they don’t succeed?  

The on-the-job training of pastors and other faith leaders in preventing and responding to child sexual abuse isn’t working—it is dangerous and all too often has devastating consequences. GRACE is addressing these shortcomings with exciting new services.

The protection of the vulnerable is not solely the responsibility of leadership. Here are five practical steps anyone can take that will make a significant difference in the lives of little ones in our faith communities.