Abuse Prevention + Response

"That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it." -John 1:5

The Arkansas Baptist State Convention is here to help your church. Protecting minors and those vulnerable from sexual abuse remains a top priority.

In partnership with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), we strive to actively assist and encourage Arkansas Baptist churches to:

TRAIN – Provide initial and ongoing training for staff, volunteers, and church members that raises awareness and shares effective actions to prevent incidents of abuse in the church.

SCREEN – Adopt a careful vetting process for all those working with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Screening should include an application, interview, references, social media review, and background checks.

PROTECT – Create and implement policies that protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults from grooming and abuse.

REPORT – Have a written plan in place to report abuse to the appropriate government authorities and communicate with the church in the event of an abuse allegation.

CARE – Identify and offer resources that will provide victims, survivors, and their families with options for ongoing care.

As Arkansas Baptists, we are continually working to expand abuse prevention, implement safety practices, policies and procedures, and show compassion and care for survivors of abuse. We grieve for anyone who suffers abuse and we desire for all Arkansas Baptist churches to be safe places.

Complete The Essentials Challenge

We are challenging churches across Arkansas to take Abuse Prevention + Response seriously through completing The Essentials Challenge. The challenge consists of three simple steps, and we've provided resources to aid you in completing each one.

Will you guide your church through The Essentials Challenge? Click here for more information.