Ministering to abuse survivors has not been my focus of ministry, but we encounter many different situations in life whether we minister in the Church or work in the secular arena. Ministering to these survivors made me aware of only some of the circumstances and issues involved in abuse.
When Virtus training was first announced in our Diocese, I was eager to take it because I’d heard that it gives an all-encompassing picture of abuse and its prevention. Although I had done research on my own and attended other classes and informational presentations, the initial LIVE training session was an eye-opener. The session gave information that I was hearing for the first time. And the information was presented in ways that made it very real – not just facts on a page. That made it easier to integrate it in my life and ministry.
On an on-going basis, the monthly bulletins help me to continue to build on my knowledge of safe environment issues. The articles have deepened my understanding of those being abused and their abusers. That has helped me to be more observant and aware of those I meet in ministry and non-ministry settings. I have been surprised at times by the methods abusers use to contact their potential targets, and realized that my own family members could be at risk. The training has made me more confident in my knowledge and more assertive in addressing potential abuse situations.
I am grateful for Virtus training and consider myself fortunate that our Diocese has chosen it as the way we can remain alert and informed about all aspects of abuse, and create safer environments for our families, parishioners, and communities.
Gretchen Tillitson is a volunteer in the Office of Child and Youth Protection for the Diocese of San Bernardino.