Presbyterian Church (NSW) Protocol (1994)

(Text only version; reproduced with permission - for further information contact Presbyterian Church of Australia - NSW, Ministry and Mission Dept, ph: 02-9319 6983 or from outside Australia 61-2-9319 6983

This Presbyterian protocol is noteworthy for being one of the first abuse protocols—and certainly by far the best at the time—in any denomination in Australia. Looking back from the vantage point of more than quarter of a century later, it is remarkable for its grasp of clergy abuse dynamics and its victim-centred approach. However well or poorly it was applied (and protocols weren't always adhered to, even when they existed), it stands as an example of what churches of the era could aspire to, years before legislation forced them into it.

Breaking the Silence:

Policies and Procedures for Protecting Against and Dealing with Sexual Abuse within the Church

Contents:

• Preface
• Statement of Principles
• Statement of Position
• Definition of Sexual Abuse
• The Abuse of Pastoral Power
• Notification of Disclosures - procedure for notification, procedures after notification, staff guidelines, workers' information
• Recommended Policy Practices
• Theories of Liability
• Legal Obligations of the Church
• A Case in Question
• Screening forms
• Sexual Abuse of Minors
• Conclusions and Disclaimer
• National Resources
• Acknowledgements and Further Reading
• Steps for Action
• Appendices have not been included. They cover sample Application Screening Form, Reference Screening Form, Special Religious Education Authorisation, Suggested Statement of Principles, Recommended Policy Practices and Voluntary Code of Conduct. Please contact the Presbyterian Church for a complete copy of the protocol.

To read any specific section click on it in the list of contents; or to read the whole document in order, simply click on "next page" at the bottom of each page.

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