Protecting those vulnerable from sexual abuse remains a top priority, noted the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.
During its 2024 annual meeting, the ABSC’s Sexual Abuse Response and Resource Team chairperson Christa Neal — who serves as Title IX coordinator for Ouachita Baptist University — gave a brief update and encouraged Arkansas Baptist churches to further implement strategies for abuse prevention and response.
Over the course of 2024, Neal said they provided five Prepare + Protect regional trainings, with hundreds of participants representing hundreds of churches in attendance.
New consultant position
Additionally, in 2024, she noted the ABSC — at the recommendation of SARRT — developed an Abuse Prevention + Response consultant position. Emily Smith, who served as the ABSC children’s specialist, took on the new role, expanding on her work with ABSC churches and associations to inform, educate and train in the areas of safety and security. She assists churches as they work to prevent abuse, respond to abuse and care for survivors.
“It is our desire for statewide response and continued improvement on how we can effectively support you all,” Neal said. “We want to continue shining light into these dark places where the evil of abuse can hide. We want all of Arkansas Baptist churches to be prepared to prevent abuse, respond appropriately, and actively love those who are impacted.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Mary Alford and originally published by Arkansas Baptist News.
