Last night was my first night "Shadowing" on the Crisis Line at Dial Help. We didn't have one phone call, but we did discuss abuse and the intricacies in how we can make a difference in stopping abuse, and the different dynamics that arise when religion seems to be working with abuse and against folks who want to help.
In the FALC, for example, where children are taught at an early age, that they are not in control of their bodies, that the church is allowed to tell them what they can and cannot do, it leaves them voiceless and choice-less. A perfect individual to abuse, for they have never been in control of their own bodies and taught that their lives are not theirs to decide, but the church will, and does.
Just by dictating how their lives should be lived...leaves them without access to their freedom. They have never been free to do as they please, but rather have received affirmations for doing what the church deems okay. It leaves them extremely susceptible for abuse. And IF abuse happens, they also fear going against authority of the church and the elders. They have been taught to follow, not lead.
It matters not what rules and sins they have been taught, it isn't about the nail polish or TV, etc...It is about giving up your rights. Giving up your body.
The seemingly harmless 'offense' of nail polish, is actually a huge body control issue. The church owns your fingernails, you DON'T.
If the church owns your fingernails and you don't, what other parts of the body does it own or more important, what parts do you own?
When you have children who are taught that their bodies are not theirs to do with AS THEY CHOOSE, they are again, the perfect candidate for abuse. In fact, it seems the church is grooming them from the day they were born to be a victim.
And they are...
The greatest hurdle that stands in the way of rescuing children who have been abused, is the church's rules and its overall sentiment of mind and body control. Second is the family. A family comprised of church's rules.
What we need are folks who are willing to undo the churches control; we need rebels.
The strong hold the cult like doctrine needs to be weakened.
What is so striking to me, is strength of the doctrine against the weakened individual. The simple fact that there is no movement in reaching outward for help, shows the mind control.
That there are adults within the church WHO KNOW, and yet are frozen. Unable or unwilling to stand up. That alone shows the mind constraint.
My story has church families who knew 40 years ago...and remained silent for that amount of time. How many others are there? This isn't about saving me or me being upset, it is about the overall picture of how the church controls the people.
Even when facing child abuse; adults remain mute. No reaching for outside sources to gain help.
However, I believe we are making in roads. Slight narrow spaces are opening up. A new generation is being birthed. We are changing. Look at me. I am speaking out. I was born into a family of the FALC. I had given up all rights to my body and I took them back...one fingernail at a time. If I can do it, anyone can.
Below are two ways you can report. People who can walk with you. You are not alone. There are folks who are willing to listen and to believe. There is no need for you to know and not report.
To report child abuse/sexual abuse or neglect - as of March 2012, there is now one number to call in the State of MI 24/7.
855-444-3911
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/FIA3200_11924_7.pdf This form is usually for professionals, but you can use it as a guide or perhaps just put down the children's names you feel are at risk. My father's case began when one caring adult, cared enough to report their suspicions. Please, the small children can't do this without your help. They are waiting for an adult to do what is right. If you're an adult, and your abuser is still alive, you can write down names of children he/she has access to.
