Mr. Michael Djan, a member of the Donkorkrom Diocesan Child Protection Committee, who is also the National Vice Laity Council Chairman as well as the Donkorkrom Diocesan Laity Council Chairman, has urged all and sundry, especially Catholics, to make the protection of children and vulnerable adults part of their day-to-day living.
He made this known during an educational tour by the Donkorkrom Diocesan Child Protection Team to the St. Mary Catholic Church, Adeemmra, in the Donkorkrom Diocese.
He continued by encouraging the congregation to take reasonable steps to prevent abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults. The environment must be one where everybody is treated with dignity, respect and care.
He indicated that some adults are vulnerable because they may need help to protect themselves because of age, illness, disability, mental-health difficulties, dependence or other circumstances.
Mr. Djan emphasised that our responsibility as individuals is not to diagnose or investigate. It is to notice, take concerns seriously and report them through the proper channels for appropriate actions to be taken.
He pointed out the following as steps to be taken when an abused person confides in an individual: Stay calm and listen, take them seriously, say something reassuring, do not promise secrecy, do not ask leading questions or press for details, write down what was said, using the person’s own words, together with the date and time, and report it promptly to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer or designated safeguarding lead.
He posited that a concern does not need to be proven before it is reported. Reporting is not making a judgment or an accusation but rather passing on information so that trained people can assess it properly and take the necessary actions.
Safeguarding he said belongs to all of us—not only clergy, committee members or children’s workers. It is a universal call to protect the weak in our societies. A safe church is not one that assumes abuse could never happen. It is one that is prepared to respond, willing to listen and committed to accountability.
He bemoaned the situation whereby offenders are mostly defended and covered up, sometimes because of their positions in society, family relations, and others. This situation he said is killing the efforts of fighting abuses among us.
He concluded his message by inviting the congregation to familiarise themselves with the diocesan safeguarding policy and know who the designated safeguarding contact is.
By Rev. Fr. Matthew Akakpo (Donkorkrom Diocese-DEPSOCOM)
