We suggest looking for a church that has a thorough safeguarding policy that provides:

• Clear direction for responding to allegations of abuse or misconduct.

• Clear direction for responding to boundary violations.

• Clear steps of accountability for all, including leadership

• Direction for all in the church or organization to follow if they have any concerns.

The policy should be readily accessible by anyone who attends, and you can ask to see their policy. Additionally, you can ask church leadership if they consider themselves mandated reporters of child abuse. You can also ask leaders about their understanding of trauma and how that understanding of trauma shapes their understanding of pastoral care.

You may find Toward a More Trauma-Informed Church by GRACE Executive Director Pete Singer helpful; this piece outlines some ways churches can engage the Six Principles of Trauma-Informed Care. Victor Veith (a GRACE board member) and Pete Singer have also written on the spiritual impact of abuse, and this article speaks to the importance of being equipped, as a community of faith, to care for victims of abuse.

We strongly recommend that you seek out a therapist who specializes in trauma. The therapist should also understand and employ trauma-informed practices. Please see more advice here: Finding A Trauma Therapist- Ideas, Insights, Questions to Ask.

GRACE's Independent Investigations can only be conducted through a direct contractual relationship with a church or organization.

• Why? Our investigations rely entirely on the institution's cooperation to release documents, compel participation, and access information. GRACE does not have the legal authority to require these actions.

• Your Role in Advocacy: The most effective way to secure a comprehensive, objective, and trauma-informed investigation is to encourage your church or organization to formally engage an external expert like GRACE.

• Encourage Integrity: Engaging an independent, multidisciplinary team demonstrates a commitment to integrity and justice over institutional self-protection.

If you are able to safely share this information with your leadership, our resource details the necessity of independent expertise:

• Download: Independent Investigations - Frequently Asked Questions Fact Sheet