Sexual Abuse Response
We are fully committed to helping congregations in their efforts to reduce the risk of sexual abuse within the church.
Through our relationship with MinistrySafe, a leader in sexual abuse prevention, we provide no-cost training and resources to empower church leaders to help keep those at church safe.
Where instances of sexual abuse do occur, we urge those with knowledge to recognize and report sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities in accordance with state law.
We are also passionate about providing the best possible care for survivors of sexual abuse, as well as others who may be impacted, through our network of more than 200 licensed counselors.
Our prayer is that this webpage gives your church the information it needs to combat sexual abuse through protecting, reporting, and caring well.
Sexual Misconduct Handbook
Texas Baptists wants to help you create a safe environment to conduct ministry. We've partnered with MinistrySafe to bring you a new digital resource on sexual misconduct that includes information to help you protect, respond and care for those impacted.
Protect
Protect your church through awareness and education
Awareness
- What is Child Abuse?
- Child Abuse Statistics in Texas
- Statistics on Alleged and Confirmed Types of Abuse in Texas
- National Statistics on Child Sexual Abuse
- Search the National Sex Offender Registry
- Jesus’ mandate to protect little ones
Education
MinistrySafe
- What is MinistrySafe?
- Live Trainings Near You
- What is a 5-Part Safety System
- What is Sexual Abuse Awareness Training?
- What is Skillful Screening?
- Policies and Procedures need to fit your ministry.
- Background Checks are important, but know the limitations.
- Why is Monitoring and Oversight important?
- Facts vs. Myths: Understanding Who Child Sexual Abusers Actually Are
Caring Well Challenge
Facility
- Texas Baptist Church Architecture offers building consultations and printed resources for facility planning
- Is our Preschool and Children’s space a safe environment?
Online Resources
Report
Recognize and report abuse to appropriate authorities
How to Report?
- Report abuse by phone or online
- When and How to Report Child Abuse
- FAQs of reporting
- When do I call 911 versus CPS or report online?
- What are the signs of child abuse?
Child Protective Services
Additional Resources
Care
Care well for survivors through counseling and other services
Counseling
- Texas Baptist Counseling Services offers help locating counseling resources
- Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas offers advocacy, counseling, and training
Survivor Stories
Books/Articles
- Fearless Series for Women
- Children's Ministry with an Abused Child
- On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church
- God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies
- The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse
- We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis
- Understanding Sexual Abuse: A Guide for Ministry Leaders and Survivors
- Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Abuse
- Suffering and the Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Restores
Additional Resources
- SBC Caring Well Challenge
- Crime Victims Compensation of Texas offers resources and financial assistance
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers 24/7 crisis support and resources
- National Sexual Assault Hotline for 24/7 crisis support and resources
- 211 in Texas can help you find local crisis resources
- Caring for Abuse Survivors
- Statement regarding release of SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force report
Katie Swafford, M.A., L.P.C.-S
Director, Counseling Services
(214) 828-5188
katie.swafford[at]txb.org
Note: This page is designed to provide resources related to protecting against, reporting, and providing care following instances of abuse. Content is subject to change and does not constitute legal advice. The convention is not responsible for the content on linked websites.