You all should consider stopping in. Several of my all time favorite folks will be sharing. #churchtoo #csa #childprotection https://twitter.com/netgrace_org/status/1253001905439215617

V. Veith is speaking on FB live with @netgrace_org about what increased risk children are currently facing with #COVID19

- less contact with mandated reporters/protectors
- more contact with abusers
- online predators
- more family stressors

#ChildAbusePreventionMonth

How can faith leaders help children at risk for abuse during the #Covid_19

- if you have contact with via child digital means for faith classes observe for physical signs of abuse
i.e. - injury to forearms, head, neck, handprints

- communicate ways for kids to reach out

You may hear yelling in the background, tune into what peripheral noises you might hear. Pay attention to external cues that the family is stressed. If you are a cleric communicate about issues of stress and mental health resources in your community. #ChildAbusePreventionMonth

How can we be vigilant of children in our faith based communities in the midst of this pandemic?

- review policy and adapt for pandemic
- two leaders deep in a virtual world
- zoom meetings could be recorded

#ChildAbusePreventionMonth

How can we be vigilant of children in our faith based communities in the midst of this pandemic?

"Some of the policies we are putting in place during this pandemic may stay in place as we move forward."

@BozT @netgrace_org

A lot of people are experiencing forms of #trauma. How is that best processed during the #pandemic?

"Trauma means wound in the Greek. A wound that a person experiences as a result of something they have encountered." @ThienAngst

#ChildAbusePreventionMonth

"Big T trauma: the wounds and experiences a personal has that threatens their life or body integrity i.e. helplessness, terror, hopelessness. May lead to PTSD.

Little T trauma: Interpersonal conflict, unexpected life change. May overwhelm but not as severe." @ThienAngst

Little T trauma can pile up impact the PTSD or become complicated by former Big T trauma. There are a lot of layers to Little T trauma such as unemployment, racism, poor health, instability. Your stress response system is impacted by both (flight, fright, or freeze) @ThienAngst

When we feel threatened (fight, flight, or freeze) — we look for things/people who make us feel safe. For a lot of #survivors relationships have been a source of #betrayaltrauma. Engaging in physical activity is important in bringing the body back to baseline." @ThienAngst

Abuse survivors who are distanced/isolated may be experiencing symptoms:

Understanding why you experience bodily symptoms may be helpful. The brain of a trauma survivor is traumatically altered. When a traumatic memory is remembered, survivors actually re-feel." @R_Denhollander

Responses are being re-triggered based on past trauma, and may be being re-tirggered (Hopelessness, loss of control, being out of control, isolation) a lot of the same feelings that are being re-felt. @R_Denhollander @netgrace_org

What are some practical self care steps survivors can take and support people can do to be helpful?

- define what healing means for you
- trauma wounds when pressed will hurt it's normal
- journaling (what am I feeling? why?)
- find a healthy way to express emotions

What are some practical self care steps survivors can take and support people can do to be helpful?

- what are some differences now v when you were in trauma?
- what are things I CAN control than when I was abused?
- working on healthy coping mechanisms

@R_Denhollander

Consider the use of an emergency box:

- put together a box of things that may distract you, bring you joy, and calm you

Cultivate a list of things that you might like to do or enjoy to provide some structure.

Use a good night routine, diet, and exercise.

@R_Denhollander

Support people can help by grieving with the survivor and help the them to remember truth when they cannot do so. Trauma is like a physical wound and legitimacy. They suffered a horrific injury. Help survivor to be released from false guilt. @R_Denhollander @netgrace_org

Clerics need to care for themselves during this #pandemic
Compassion fatigue is high. Get a therapist, get regular sleep, and a peer group! @JustinHolcomb @netgrace_org

Clerics can communicate with survivors with:

- daily group emails
- devotional videos
- text groups
- open lines of communications as best a possible
- please communicate you are aware that abuse is increasing (you get it)
- your role is to help/listen

@JustinHolcomb

How can clerics help abuse survivors?

There is power in being a vigilant listener.
Having compassionate and informed care.
Recommend hotlines, websites, to survivors.
Help survivors to make a safety plan.
Invite them to contact you, the police etc.
Give hope

@JustinHolcomb

Survivors suffer in silence, often for good reason, because they do not believe thier faith communities are a safe space for them. What if one of the beauties coming out of all of this is that survivors could feel more safe? @BozT @netgrace_org