See Something ~ Say Something
The FBI is asking victims to come forward in an investigation of Child Sexual Assault within our fellowship. According to their website, "The FBI Omaha Field Office is seeking the public's help in identifying victims or individuals with knowledge of abuse and/or criminal behavior that has occurred within a religious group that traditionally has not had a name."
Click Here for the FBI Landing Page with Links to the Response Form
Reporting abuse can feel daunting, but it is not something you have to do alone. You can have an advocate with you, or call a national hotline such as RAINN.org where they will help walk you through the process. If there is any concern that a child might be in danger, call 911 immediately. It is most typical to report to the police department where the abuse occurred. If they tell you they cannot take the report, ask them who they recommend you report to instead.
Once you have reported to the appropriate authorities, please also report the perpetrator to the WANIDAK Safety Team. We strongly recommend enlisting the help of an advocate to help you report to the Safety Team.
If you need to report a historical case of CSA/SA, there is a chance the statute of limitations has passed, but please know that if you report and then a newer case comes in by the same perpetrator, your report will help that new case immensely by establishing a pattern.
If you are a survivor of abuse connected with our fellowship and want additional resources please reach out to Natalie Bolin DSW, LCSW executive director of AFTT. AFTT is a nonprofit organization that gives a voice, protection and justice to survivors.
AFTT also has a reporting hotline and perpetrator database for abuse in our fellowship. They work under the ethical provisions of certifications and licenses. All reports that come in through AFTT are offered survivor and communal care.
If you are a survivor of child sex abuse or sexual assault, please call the international and national hotline to speak with private investigator, Cynthia Liles.
Call or text 24/7 1(503) 386-4634 + 1 (503) 334-6866 to contact AFTT.
Abuse thrives in silence and secrecy. Communicate regarding abuse, threats, or any questionable or worrisome behavior by any person, including elders and workers. If you see something, say something. Troublesome patterns need to be addressed before they become abusive behavior. Notify a trusted person with concerns. Remember all criminal behavior should immediately be reported to authorities. There will be no legal retaliation against anyone bringing forward a concern in good faith about potentially abusive behavior.
Victims of abuse can be girls, boys, women, and men. When sexual abuse comes to our attention, we must respond in accordance with the law and with support for the victims. A report based on reasonable suspicion or a credible allegation does not require proof abuse has actually occurred or that the reporter witnessed the incident in question. Reporting is not a determination abuse has actually occurred; rather, it is a request for an investigation of the situation. There is legal protection for reports made in good faith. Failure to report or intentionally false reporting is punishable by law. It should be noted that if it is unclear whether an abuse allegation constitutes a reasonable suspicion, communicate directly with the third party state child abuse hotline or RAINN to determine whether (1) the abuse allegation constitutes reasonable suspicion, (2) any additional information is needed to make the determination of whether there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse, or (3) if the allegation should be dismissed and not reported. In general, all should be encouraged to err on the side of reporting.
1. New/Recent Offenses: If you believe a child is in immediate danger that could result in death or serious harm, call 911 first. Anyone with reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected is required by law to report it to a state child abuse hotline or the RAINN National Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673.
WASHINGTON
1-866-END-HARM - WA State Dep’t of Children, Youth, & Families
1-800-562-5624 - Washington Child Protective Services
Washington Children's Advocacy Centers
IDAHO
1-855-552-KIDS (5437) - Idaho Child Protection Service
Idaho Network of Children Advocacy Centers
ALASKA
1-800-478-4444 - Alaska Office of Children’s Services
Contact OCS and local Law Enforcement
Alaska Children's Advocacy Center
NATIONAL
1-800-656-HOPE - National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD
a. Hotline calls are screened by the appropriate state/local child protective/social services agencies to determine if they warrant investigation. State law protects the identity of reporters and gives them immunity from liability as a result of good faith reports.
b. When making a report to authorities, obtain an intake or case number and badge number or name. Do not investigate the case yourself or impede the authorities who have the responsibility to investigate the report.
c. Except for necessary meeting arrangements or other safety issues, do not talk to the alleged abuser about the pending investigation.
d. Keep the identity of victims confidential except for required communications with investigators and family
2. Previous/Historic Offenses: For any credible allegations of CSA made by victims who were minors at the time of the abuse but who are now adults, in some states there is no statute of limitations for CSA, so the abuser can still be prosecuted. In other situations, the statute of limitations may have expired, reporting anyway will help other cases.
Following are additional guidelines for adult sexual abuse (SA).
In every case, workers and elders, in consultation with law enforcement, need to make timely decisions regarding safe meeting arrangements. It is also important to help the victim get professional therapy to assist in making the important decision of whether or not to pursue justice through the legal system.
1. For new allegations of SA, the decision to report to law enforcement is up to the victim. The victim should consult with law enforcement or other professionals on whether or not to proceed in the legal system.
2. For old allegations of SA that come to light, note that the statute of limitations may or may not have run out. The decision to report to law enforcement is up to the victim.
If more information is desired about statutes of limitations and definitions of different kinds of sexual abuse (which vary by type of crime, victim age, and state), refer to your state’s laws as described at RAINN's state law database.
Becky Hamon, Professional Advocate - besafekingsalmon@gmail.com (907) 469-0344
Find an advocate - Washington Alaska Idaho
We cannot overstate the value of an advocate.
Advocacy means getting support from another person to help you express your views and wishes and help you stand up for your rights. Someone who helps you in this way is called your advocate.
The role of an advocate depends on your situation and the support you want. They are there to support your choices.
An advocate can:
listen to your views and concerns
help you explore your options and rights (without pressuring you)
provide information to help you make informed decisions
help you contact relevant people, or contact them on your behalf
accompany you and support you in meetings or appointments
An advocate will not:
give you their personal opinion
solve problems and make decisions for you
make judgements about you
Source: mind.org.uk
Advocates and Confidentiality
Professional advocates, like Becky Hamon, do not keep records and cannot be subpoenaed in a court. They will not/cannot share or talk to anyone, including law enforcement, lawyers, medical providers, etc, without your consent.