Child Abuse Prevention

"All children are affected first and most deeply by those things that work against health and wholeness: where there is shame, children's spirits are wounded ..."

— A Vision for Children and the Church

• In 2003 an estimated 3 million children were reported as suspected victims of child abuse and neglect; 900,000 were confirmed as victims.
• Neglect is the most common form of maltreatment. Three times as many children are victims of neglect as of physical abuse.
• One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused by the age of eighteen
• Young children are the most at risk for abuse and neglect.

— Children's Bureau, Administration of Children and Families
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Anguished Hearts: A study guide to accompany Turn Mourning into Dancing!

Seven-session study for adults on domestic violence, including one session on child abuse, it takes its title from Psalm 55:4a "My heart is in anguish within me..."

Published in partnership by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, The Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, and the Presbyterian Health, Education, and Welfare Association.

Comes with CD with the PC(USA) policy statement Turn Mourning into Dancing!

$8.00 • PDS #7027003025

Creating Safe Churches: Addressing Sexual Misconducts

A Web site of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) designed to help all churches be safe churches. Includes materials to help raise awareness of prevention practices, report misconduct and rebuild broken trust when sexual misconduct occurs.

Guidelines for Child Care at Church-Sponsored Meetings

Produced by the Presbyterian Child Advocacy Network (PCAN). Booklet with guidelines for setting up safe childcare for church meetings. Available from the Office of Child Advocacy. Free. To order call (888) 728-7228 x5838 or email Martha Gee.

Surely Heed Their Cry: A Presbyterian Guide to Child Abuse Prevention, Intervention, and Healing

by Bonnie Glass MacDonald

A Presbyterian guide to child abuse prevention and healing. This comprehensive guide contains information on abuse identification, abuse prevention and educational material. Published by the Child Abuse Ministry Project, 1993.

$5.00 • PDS #25793010

We Won't Let It Happen Here! Preventing Child Abuse in the Church (2nd edition)

A training model for all who work with children in the church to assist them in becoming aware of child abuse: Explore how Christian faith provides support for keeping children safe, learn about prevention and learn to respond effectively when child abuse occurs.

One free per congregation • PDS #72-651-02-002

Or download this resource:

2004 PADVN Domestic Violence Congregational Packet

This congregational packet focuses on children who witness domestic violence. Produced by the Presbyterians Against Domestic Violence Network, this packet is available online and includes PDF files of "Children Living in Violent Households," "Children Coping with Family Violence," Children's Safety Plan," "Congregational Domestic Violence Training Plan" and other resources.

Violence and Media

Children and Violent Video Games

This free booklet developed by the Office of Child Advocacy alerts parents and others who care about children to the harmful effects of violent video game content on children and youth. Includes helpful information on the ratings system as well as guidelines and tips for choosing games, setting limits and advocating to keep M-rated games out of the hands of children.

Children and Video Games: What's the Problem?

by Alexa Smith

This one-session study, part of the online adult study resources of The Thoughtful Christian, presents an introduction to the world of video games. Provides information for those who want to learn more or for those wanting to join efforts to control access and irresponsible content.

$5.00 • Item # TC0068

Downloadable adult study guide is available at The Thoughtful Christian.

Peer Violence

Guide for Helping Children in Traumatic Times

"A Guide for Helping Children in Traumatic Times" helps parents, teachers and others who care about children by providing suggestions for how to help children respond to tragic events. This guide is available online. Or download this resource.

Bullying in the Classroom

by Martha Bettis Gee

This one-session study, part of the online adult study resources of The Thoughtful Christian, addresses a public health issue that can have long-lasting effects for both the bully and the victim. Presents the facts about this pervasive problem and suggests proactive responses Christians can take.

$5.00 • Item #TC0050

Downloadable adult study guide is available at The Thoughtful Christian.

Peacemaking Resources

These resources are available from the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.

For adults

Following the Leader: Peacemaking with Children in a Violent World

This resource is a four-session study of the lessons that we can learn from the children of Scripture as well as the children who live among us, some living lives filled with violence. Intended for adult classes, personal devotion, small group meetings or in a retreat setting.

$2.50 • PDS #70-270-02-011

Whoever Welcomes a Child: An Intergenerational Peacemaking Journey Through the Gospel of Matthew

This five-session intergenerational study explores the places in Matthew's Gospel where Jesus relates to children to help us live the calling of our faith be peacemakers. The lack of peace deeply impacts children. As peacemakers, we need to realize the significance of being called "children of God" and seek wholeness and well-being for all children.

$3.00 • PDS #70-270-05-004

For children

Building A Culture of Peace Begins with Children

Developed by Rosemary Banta and Donna Miller. Thirty-two pages with six sessions for children and intergenerational groups. The focus of this curriculum is applying Jesus' commandment to love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself in today's world. "Neighborhood" is used as a metaphor for culture.

$1.25 • PDS #70-270-00-002