Glen Guyton, executive director of Mennonite Church USA (MC USA), is working with Dove’s Nest to help churches keep children safe, particularly vulnerable boys.
As part of the Dove’s Nest speakers’ bureau, Guyton recently gave a presentation, entitled “Man Talk: Safeguarding Our Boys in Faith Communities,” at a virtual event for the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse, a nonprofit organization in the Philippines.
As a father of an adult daughter and son, Guyton said he feels strongly about sharing this message with MC USA and other faith leaders.
“Faith communities are at risk,” he said. “Sexual abuse is the most common form of abuse in church settings. No faith community or church is immune from abuse.”
Abuse is a widespread problem for all children, especially girls, but Guyton shared research showing that 1 in 13 boys experiences sexual abuse in childhood and 1 in 6 men has been sexually abused or assaulted. Guyton went on to explain that boys are particularly stigmatized by sexual abuse and debunked several common myths that shame and blame boys in abusive situations.
“Faith communities have an important part to play in keeping children and youth safe from all types of child abuse and neglect,” Guyton said. He explained, however, that some of the church’s biggest strengths – its high trust environment and desire for forgiveness – can sometimes be its biggest weaknesses, putting children at risk
Guyton offered several ways that churches can help keep children safe, including:
- Establishing prevention policies
- Learning about abuse, such as grooming behavior and peer abuse
- Talking about child protection in formal and informal ways as a congregation
- Providing opportunities for dialog and listening to those hurt by abuse
“We know that in every one of our congregations, there are victims and survivors, both men and women,” said Anna Groff, executive director of Dove’s Nest. “There is a need for prevention education and best practices.”
She emphasized the important role of men in this work. “Abuse prevention is often seen as a woman’s job,” said Groff. “Men have a responsibility to be a part of this conversation. Prevention programs are most effective when men and women collaborate to keep all children and youth safe.”
Dove’s Nest offers a collection of training and educational resources for faith communities. Their newest training resources include:
COVID-19 and Safety Training
This live Zoom training addresses the unique vulnerability of children and youth during COVID-19 and what churches can do to prevent harm and support families during this challenging time, and how they can prepare for the summer and fall as faith communities. It also includes best practices and safety tips for Zoom and virtual kids’ programming for churches.
Understanding Trauma
This recorded Zoom or live Zoom training is an excellent resource for churches wanting to dig deeper into understanding and preventing various types of trauma as well as actively supporting survivors in faith communities. It includes information on the various types of trauma, brain development, trauma triggers and the Institutional Courage principles developed by Jennifer Freyd. There is an analysis of the core values of Anabaptist faith communities, with special attention on how to balance peace, reconciliation and justice when protecting the vulnerable.
38-Minute Training Video for Adult Volunteers
This 101 abuse prevention and healthy boundaries training video is designed specifically for adults volunteering in faith communities, such as churches, camps or schools. The video covers child abuse and Jesus’ message regarding safety for children; why and how to implement a child protection policy; an overview of the Circle of Grace Christian safe environment curriculum for children and youth; reporting suspected abuse; tech safety and social media; child-on-child perpetration; and consent and safe touch.
In addition, conferences or congregations interested in inviting a Dove’s Nest speaker, including Guyton, may contact Dove’s Nest by email at info@dovesnest.net to discuss availability and honorariums.
Dove’s Nest is a nonprofit with Mennonite roots that seeks to empower and equip faith communities to keep children and youth safe in their homes, churches and communities.
Mennonite Church USA is the largest Mennonite denomination in the United States with 16 conferences, approximately 530 congregations and 62,000 members. An Anabaptist Christian denomination, MC USA is part of Mennonite World Conference, a global faith family that includes churches in 58 countries. It has offices in Elkhart, Indiana and Newton, Kansas. mennoniteUSA.org
Further reading
“Sexual assault against boys is a crisis,” Washington Post, Feb. 22, 2021
Resources
“Our Continued Response”, a resource for youth leaders, developed by Dove’s Nest and Mosaic Mennonite Conference
Support
1in6 helps men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives.