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THE MAGNIFICENT TRANSITION FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

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darkness to light

 

 

By Ken Blue

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son”, Colossians 1:13.

“Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5.

 

Two worlds exist in one. They are like our moon; with one side always dark, and the other always light. We get a hint of this when God called “…the light Day, and the darkness he called Night…” Genesis 1:5. That dark side has a Prince who rules over all within his kingdom of darkness. Throughout Scripture we see this comparison. Righteousness is equated with light, and unrighteousness is equated with darkness.

It is obvious also that these two are contrasted as “understanding” and “ignorance.” Notice the usage in Ephesians 4:18.  “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart…” The “understanding” is “darkened” through “ignorance,” and “blindness.”

Paul accused his nation of the malady which contributed to their lack of salvation. “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” Romans 10:1-3. Two key words describe the source of their problem; they lacked “knowledge” and they were “ignorant.” God said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6.

There are two great hymns that shed more light on the subject. One is, Amazing Grace. The words are, “…I once was blind, but now I see.” The other is, At the Cross. “At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light…”

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6.

It is nothing short of a miracle. We come into life ignorant, blind, and lost. We are in a world of darkness. We live on the dark side of the moon. But God, who called the light out of darkness, has shined in our heart and dispelled the ignorance, the blindness, and the darkness, in which we lived. Not only has He delivered us out of darkness, He had translated us into His marvelous light! It is called “the kingdom of His dear Son.”  He has moved us from darkness to light.

We discover that people are not lost because of personal sin, but because of the ignorance, blindness, and unbelief in their heart. Faith in God’s Word is the switch that “turns on the light.” If you will “believe” Him, He will call you out of a world of darkness to light! These two worlds exist. Are you still in darkness?

SEX OFFENDER RISK LEVEL CLASSIFICATION

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SEX OFFENDER RISK LEVEL CLASSIFICATION

(This information was provided by the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office)

sex offender levels

 

 

 

 

 

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) through the “Model Policy” Established guidelines for risk level classification and the dissemination of information about sex offenders. The End of Sentence Review Committee is made up of a variety of state and local agencies that together complete risk level assessment of most sex offenders either convicted in Washington State or convicted in another state and move to Washington. The purpose of risk level assessment is to provide the community with information about convicted sex offenders who pose a moderate or high risk to re-offend.

For level I offenders, law enforcement agencies shall share information with other appropriate law enforcement agencies. If the level I offender is a juvenile, the information shall be shared with the principal of the public or private school he or she will be attending. Upon request, the agency may disclose relevant, necessary and accurate information to any victim or witness and to any community member who lives near the residence where the offender resides, expects to reside, or is regularly found. RCW 4.24.550(3)

For level II offenders, in addition to what is stated for level I offenders, law enforcement agencies may distribute information to those schools, child care and adult care facilities, libraries, and businesses and organizations serving children, women and vulnerable adults in the area where the registered offender resides, is expected to reside or is regularly found. (RCW 4.24.550(3). The most common method for notification of level II offenders is through notification flyers.

For level IIl offenders, in addition to what is stated for level II offenders, law enforcement agencies may disclose information to the public at large. RCW 4.24.550(3) The county sheriff is to publish by legal notice, advertising, or news release a sex offender community notification that conforms to the guidelines established under RCW 4.24.5501 in at least one legal newspaper with a general circulation in the area of the sex offender’s registered address or location. Law enforcement agencies are expected to distribute offender notification flyers to the general public and are encouraged to host, minimally, periodic community forums for expanded sex offender management information and public safety education. The county sheriff shall also cause to be published twice yearly a current list of level III registered six offenders. This list shall be maintained by the county sheriff on a publicly accessible web site and updated at least once a month, unless the information is posted on the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs website. RCW 4.24.550(4)

Sexually Violent Predator (Svp): Civil Commitment:

There are currently hundreds of sexually violent predators civilly committed in Washington State. These offenders are housed at the Special Commitment Center (SCC) located at the McNeil Island Correctional Center. These offenders are not serving prison sentences. They fall under the jurisdiction of DSHS. To be civilly committed an offender must meet three specific criteria. 1. That they have been convicted of a sexually violent act, 2. They have been diagnosed with a personality disorder or mental abnormality, 3. That this diagnosis makes it more likely than not that they will commit a future sexually violent act.

The End of Sentence Review Committee does initial screening of cases meeting the criteria. The offender is then sent to psychologist for a forensic evaluation to professionally answer the same three questions. If the offender is found to meet the criteria then the case is forwarded to a prosecutor who will make a final determination whether the case will go forward for civil commitment. If the case does go forward then a jury trial will make the final determination if the offender is to be civilly committed.

Once the offender is civilly committed then they receive specific sex offender treatment for sexually violent predators. After completing six phases of sex offender treatment (which may take years, if ever completed) the offender must be considered for placement in a Secure Community Transition Facility (SCTF) in the general community. The placement of these facilities is currently taking place in several counties in Washington State. These facilities are maintained by DSHS. These offenders have the highest degree of supervision at no time being left in the community without a trained DSHS employee with them. The facility is secure, alarmed and staff is on site 24 hours a day. After it is found that the offender has successfully transitioned into the community they can be released from the SCTF to maintain their own living arrangements. Any release to an SCTF, less restrictive alternative or unconditional release can only be guaranteed through the court where the conviction as a sexually violent predator occurred.

UNDERSTANDING THE GROOMING PROCESS BY SEX OFFENDERS # 3

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CANDY

 

 

 

Grooming techniques are specific behaviors that sex offenders engage in which increase the likelihood

that they will successfully be able to abuse a child and not get caught. The behaviors are planned and

serve the purpose of preparing the victim or the people around the victim, making it easier for the

perpetrator to offend against the child.

Most sexual-abuse is preceded by grooming, particularly when the victim is known to the offender.

Grooming is a process that can take quite a while, even months or years, and can be very subtle and sneaky. Victims of grooming often do not realize that they are being manipulated until after they have been sexually abused, and even then, some victims do not see how the grooming led to their abuse.

The first step in grooming is used to identify potential victims. Offenders give children “tests” to see who might offer the least resistance to being abused. Offenders look for children who:

• Are vulnerable

• Have poor boundaries

• Will keep a secret

• Have poor self-esteem

• Have few social supports or friends

• May have behavioral problems

Grooming is used to gain a child’s trust and confidence so that they will want to spend time with the perpetrator. Behaviors used to accomplish this include:

• Singling out specific children for attention

• Giving gifts, particularly those that may be allowed by a parent

• Allowing children to violate parent’s rules

• Relates to the child as a peer through music, movies, and other common interests

• Bribing children

• Providing drugs or alcohol

• Taking the child on special outings

Grooming is used to increase a child’s comfort level with being touched and with sexual material.

These behaviors may include:

• Physical contact such as tickling or wrestling

• “Accidentally” touching a child’s genitals

• Using excuses such as checking development or cleaning to look at and touch a child’s genitals

• Sexually explicit conversations

• Viewing pornography with the child

Once abuse has occurred, grooming techniques are used to manipulate children into keeping the abuse a secret and to feel responsible for the abuse. Behaviors that help to accomplish this goal include:

• Threats of harm to the child or family

 • Threats of harm to the offender, such as “I will go to jail” or “I will never be able to see you again.”

• Telling children that they are “learning” about sex

• Telling children that they “like” it or “want” the abuse

• Telling children that no one will believe them if they tell

• Threatening to show pictures or videos of child’s abuse

Offenders don’t only groom children, but they use specific behaviors to gain the trust of family and community members. This decreases the likelihood that people around them will be concerned about their behavior and makes the victim less likely to be believed if they do disclose. Offenders engage in such behaviors as:

• Being very charming and helpful

• Taking jobs or volunteer positions where they have access to children

• Establishing themselves as an insider very quickly

• Making themselves indispensable, either financially or through other means

This grooming process is a critical time for adults to intervene and prevent the abuse of a child.

Identifying the behaviors of an adult who is a potential risk of harm to children and taking action to intervene is the key to protecting children. If you think a child is being groomed, trust your “gut feeling” and act on it:

• Listen for statements or questions from your child that would support your suspicions

• Encourage your child to tell you more about the time he or she spends with the person

• Assert yourself and end questionable behavior

• Be willing to stop all contact between the child and the potential abuser, even if it makes you

the “bad guy”

“Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.”1 Timothy 5:24 

UNDERSTANDING SEX OFFENDERS:

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WHAT THE SEX OFFENDERS TELL US

Barbara Boslaugh Haner, MN, ARNP

There are over 20,000 registered sex offenders currently residing within Washington State.  Although most media attention is given to known sex offenders moving into the area, the majority of sex offenders are unknown to the general public.  The typical sex offender is male, at least a high school graduate, is more likely than other criminals to be employed and typically do not have criminal records.   Although many believe offenders are dirty old men in trench coats lurking in the bushes around schools, in fact 85%-90% of child sexual abusers are known to the family.  Sex offenders most often are family members, friends, and other adults with significant relationships with children who rely on secrecy and manipulative behavior patterns to identify and target their victims. Additionally, while most other criminals decrease their criminal activity as they age, sex offenders typically do not.  Instead, most sex offenders continue to offend against their targeted populations until they are physically incapable.

Child sexual abuse usually begins with a sex offender gaining both the parent’s and the child’s trust and friendship, becoming a valuable and indispensable part of the family.    Once a relationship has been established, the offender will begin to test the child’s knowledge and ability to protect themselves. Sexual jokes, back rubs, “accidental” sexual touching, and hugging, often done in the presence of the parent, are utilized to “test the waters.”  If these behaviors are not received with alarm, the offender will increase the amount and type of sexual exposure.  To adjust the child to sexual activity, offenders commonly utilize casual or accidental exposure to pornography.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]85%-90% of child sexual abusers are known to the family.[/perfectpullquote]

Offenders also take great precautions to avoid causing physical pain or injury to their victims because injury sharply increases the likelihood the child will disclose the behavior.   Most sex offenders of children are content with self-exposure, fondling, masturbation and oral sex.  Penile penetration is rare.  This preparation or grooming process is often so sly that children are not aware that these behaviors violate the “good touch, bad touch” philosophy that is the current gold standard for education.   The emphasis on “stranger danger” is not applicable within this criminal act.   By creating an environment that isolates the child from their peers and other family members, the offenders often instill a sense of responsibility for the sexual behavior on the child.

What do the offenders tell us about prevention?   Turning to convicted offenders has generated concrete suggestions to decrease the risk of child sexual assault.

  • Secrets:  Offenders tell us that teaching the dangers of secret friendships, secret gifts, secret behaviors, and secret places is more valuable than any other educational format.
  • Believe:  Listen, and trust your child. Children rarely lie about sexual abuse.
  • Education:  Teach accurate and healthy values about sexuality. If we don’t teach our children about sex, the offenders will.
  • Remind:  Frequently remind your child about when and where people can touch their bodies.
  • Monitor:  Get to know your child’s friends and peers, as well as adults that have contact with your child.  Be wary of older children and adults who want to spend a lot of time alone with your child. Are the gifts or privileges your child receives appropriate?

Increased awareness and understanding of how offenders target and maintain their victims is vital to effective prevention.  From information supplied by convicted offenders, programs can be developed that effectively counteract the methods utilized by offenders.   Without good safety programs and informed professionals and parents, children will continue to be vulnerable and sexually victimized.

Community Information Packet- page 12

PROTECTION FROM PEDOPHILES

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 Pedophile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


By Ken Blue

 “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:” Proverbs 24:3

No guarantees that your child will not be molested. A pedophile, a serial killer, a drug addict, or a thief can live under your roof without you knowing of their wickedness, or devices.  

  • According to a Community Information Packet provided by the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office in Washington State, one in four girls are assaulted by age 18. One in five boys is assaulted by age 18. Over 1/3rd of child sexual abuse involves children age five or younger. 85-90% of child sex offenders are known to the victims and their family.

Most pedophiles are male, but not all. Pedophiles love to play with and be around children. Obviously they feel safer, and find it easier to control and “groom” them. We will speak more about the grooming process later. Not every person who loves to play with children is a pedophile, but when they prefer to be with small children rather than adults, it might be a red flag.

Not all pedophiles are stalkers. They fall into three major categories. We will also deal with these in another blog.

In this article there are some things I believe you should consider in order to protect your church and children.

  • Submit a background check on every person who works with children under 18. You can secure these from the police department, county sheriff, or State Patrol. Explain to the one you are doing the background check, that it is being done, and why. If they refuse, you already know they have a past.
  • Do not give them the ministry until you get the background report back. Wait until the report is processed, and you have it in hand before you meet with the person. If the report is negative, never place that person in a ministry where they will be alone with children.
  • Have two male teachers in every boy’s class. Explain to each teacher, if he/she sees any inappropriate behavior they should warn the other teacher. Knowledge of actual sexual abuse must be reported to the police at once.
  • Have women teach girls, and men teaching boys.
  • Have windows in every classroom.
  • Do not allow any obstruction on the windows, for any reason.
  • Have the class arranged so you can see the teachers through the glass.
  • Have hall monitors to look through the glass twice during class time. Do not have a set routine for these checks.
  • Never allow teachers to go in the bathroom with a child. Have them stand outside the door.
  • Never allow students to sit on the laps of male workers.
  • Install cameras in key locations. If you need advice, ask a police officer for help.
  • You are required by law to report any sexual complaint from an adult or child.  
  • You could also contact your insurance company for advice. In some cases, your cost will go down when you impalement deterrents to sexual abuse. 

(Special thanks to Officer Mike McBride for suggestions, and providing the literature we are gleaning from).