The book Peace Shall Destroy Many by Rudy Wiebe was written 50 years ago and expressed concerns about sexual abuse within families.
In a recent article, editor Dick Benner cites, “Statistically, one in four girls and one in six boys will experience some sort of sexual abuse/exploitation by the age of 18.”
He goes on to state, “It is time we, as a faith community, remove the cloak of secrecy from sexual abuse and deal with it openly, working harder at setting up a safe environment for our children.”
The local Community Awareness Training Seminar (CATS) team recently announced its fall seminar entitled Open Our Hearts/Breaking the Silence will be held on Nov. 16.
The focus is to help church and community leaders become aware of the issues of sexual abuse.
“We also encourage everyone with a passion to help others through challenging times to attend,” organizers state.
“We all have the responsibility to report known occurrences of sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities, and be aware of how to assist the perpetrated in finding help,” said Jim Curry, chair of the CATS team.
“Research has shown the importance of finding help quickly, and supporting individuals during this very stressful time. This seminar will assist in recognizing the signs of individuals under stress, and how to connect with the resources that are available.”
Susan Winter Fledderus will lead the seminar. A clinical therapist with Shalem Mental Health Network, she has more than 15 years of experience in the field of marriage and family therapy, and worked for 13 years as a family counsellor at Family Services Durham prior to joining Shalem in 2011.
She also has extensive experience in working with individuals, couples and families and offers support to those dealing with sexual abuse, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and family transitions and conflict.
Service providers in Wellington County will be on hand to discuss available resources. The CATS team also plans to have pastors and counsellors in attendance to offer their support.
This free seminar runs from 9am to noon at the Drayton Christian Reformed Church, 88 Main Street East.
Additional information is available at www.mapletoncats.org or by calling Teresa at 519-638-2542.
