According to statistics, an alarming 1 of 4 women and 1 of 6 men have been sexually abused as children. 1 out of 4 children have been physically abused.

It is telling that the 1 in 8 statistic of American women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime has us all on red alert, as it should. Even professional athletes are wearing pink to raise awareness. Yet, the abuse of children, while beyond epidemic, is hardly given the attention it deserves.

Closer to home, child sexual abuse is one of the most pressing problems facing the twenty-first century church. Those same abuse statistics also exist inside the church. Tragically, child abuse is also one of the most ignored and mishandled issues by church leaders.

This problem isn’t without a solution. But churches and seminaries must take steps to educate leaders on how to prevent, recognize, and report abuse, and to provide protective and healing ministries to victims.

Does someone at your church have proper training?

Here’s one way to get started (or continue) with training in the Philadelphia area:

The BTS Graduate School of Counseling is offering HS and PA Board-Approved training on child abuse recognition on June 13 from 6-9 pm. The session meets license renewal and pre-license training requirements.

The presenter will be Mary Richter, Educator from Network of Victim Assistance.

For more details and to register, go to: http://www.biblical.edu/become-a-student/counseling/child-abuse-training