Prevention and Healing from Child Sexual Abuse: message from Sr. Patricia Murray, IBVM
(UISG Executive Secretary)
Watch the video of the wholeUISG-USG Commission for Care and Prevention here
April 8 – World Day for Prevention and Healing from Child Sexual Abuse
The joint Commission of the UISG and USG is committed to working with the leaders of both male and female religious congregations on the prevention of the sexual abuse of children and the healing of children who have been abused.
We believe this to be a moral obligation and the pastoral response required of us, particularly in the light of our past failures. We are deeply aware of and saddened by the pain and hurt that has been experienced by children worldwide and we recognize that our institutions, programs and projects have not always been safe places for children.
We commit ourselves to place care and compassion at the center of our ministries with children and with their families and we say the following:
We demonstrate care when we develop robust policies and procedures to protect children that are not just written documents, but which lead to regular action steps.
We demonstrate care when children know by the quality of our listening that they have been heard and this is one step in their healing process.
We demonstrate care when we take appropriate action as laid down in the guidelines spelled out in different jurisdictions and within our own congregations.
We demonstrate care when we educate all those involved in our ministries on their obligation to protect children and to help heal those who have been deeply wounded.
Every child has a right to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment and we want to partner with others to make this a daily reality.
Sr. Patricia Murray IBVM, UISG Executive Secretary