1 Safe Harbor: Safeguarding All God's Children St. John the Evangelist Religious Education Program © 2004

2 Introduction “Safe Harbor” “Steer the ship of my life, good Lord, to your quiet harbor where I can be safe from the storms of sin and conflict. Give me the strength and courage to recognize the course I should take that I find in you comfort and peace, and shelter from the storm.” “The Apostle Simon” Rubens c. 1613

3 Lord God, you bring us here together to learn more about how you created us and how you want us to live in peace and happiness with each other. We know that each person is precious to you. You sent your son, Jesus to live in a family because you wanted him to have the chance to live life fully here on earth. You gave Jesus parents, other relatives and friends to protect and guide him while he was a child. You want the same for us. Open our minds to take this opportunity to understand better the world around us. Teach us to love and protect each other in every way that we can. Keep us mindful of all the blessings of everyday life we might take for granted, especially the gift of living in a family with each other. Open our hearts to hear anew your unconditional love for us. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen. Opening Prayer

4 Topics of Discussion What is a “Safe Harbor”? What is the “storm” I need to be aware of? Who do I turn to? How do I receive strength and courage? What happens next? What would Jesus do?

5 Topic One: What is a “Safe Harbor”? A “safe harbor” is a person, place, or thing that provide peace where there is conflict. A “safe harbor” is not there to judge or be judged. A “safe harbor” is there solely to protect and keep one safe. A “safe harbor” lives out Jesus’ request to keep His sheep safe.

6 “SAFE HARBORS” Parent Policeman Fireman Doctor Nurse Principal Director of Religious Education Teacher Catechist Family Member Friend Who would you go to first? Why? What would you say? Why would this person be a “safe harbor”? **Think: Who is your “safe harbor”.

7 Topic Two: What is the “storm” I need to be aware of? Bullying/Harassment Abuse  Verbal/ Emotional Abuse  Name Calling  Using improper language  Physical Abuse  Hurting someone physically Beating, punching, kicking  Sexual Abuse  Touching/Hurting someone in private areas  Saying things that refer to adult actions

8 Bullying/Harassment What is bullying? Why would someone bully another? What happens when one is bullied? What could you say if you are being bullied? How would you feel? Who can you turn to? What is harassment? Why would someone harass another? What happens when one is harassed? What could you say if you are being harassed? How would you feel? Who can you turn to?

9 “SAFE HARBORS” Parent Policeman Fireman Doctor Nurse Principal Director of Religious Education Teacher Catechist Family Member Friend Who would you go to first? Why? What would you say? Why would this person be a “safe harbor”? **Think: Who is your “safe harbor”.

10 Verbal/ Emotional Abuse  Name Calling  Using improper language  Teasing  Verbal Attacks  Withholding affection  Making a person feel useless Why would this be considered abuse? When does it become abuse? What could you say if you are being abused? How would you feel? Who can you turn to?

11 “SAFE HARBORS” Parent Policeman Fireman Doctor Nurse Principal Director of Religious Education Teacher Catechist Family Member Friend Who would you go to first? Why? What would you say? Why would this person be a “safe harbor”? **Think: Who is your “safe harbor”.

12 Physical Abuse Q.: What is Physical Abuse? Answer: Hurting someone physically Beating, punching, kicking Why would this be considered abuse? Why would someone do this? What could you say if you are being abused? How would you feel? Who can you turn to?

13 “SAFE HARBORS” Parent Policeman Fireman Doctor Nurse Principal Director of Religious Education Teacher Catechist Family Member Friend Who would you go to first? Why? What would you say? Why would this person be a “safe harbor”? **Think: Who is your “safe harbor”.

14 Sexual Abuse Q: What is sexual abuse? Answer: Touching/Hurting someone in private areas  Saying things that refer to adult actions Why would this be considered abuse? Why would someone do this? What could you say if you are being abused? How would you feel? Who can you turn to?

15 What is meant by “private parts” for girls? “Private parts” are parts of your body that you keep covered, even in a swimming suit.

16 “Private parts” are parts of your body that you keep covered, even in a swimming suit. What is meant by “private parts” for boys?

17 Sexual Abuse Why would this be considered abuse? Why would someone do this? What could you say if you are being abused? How would you feel? Who can you turn to?

18 “SAFE HARBORS” Parent Policeman Fireman Doctor Nurse Principal Director of Religious Education Teacher Catechist Family Member Friend Who would you go to first? Why? What would you say? Why would this person be a “safe harbor”? **Think: Who is your “safe harbor”.

19 Topic Three: Why turn to a “Safe Harbor”? “SAFE HARBORS” Parent Policeman Fireman Doctor Nurse Principal Director of Religious Education Teacher Catechist Family Member Friend “Safe Harbors” know what do do in the event you need help fast. “Safe Harbors” know that you are very important and your feelings are very important, too. “Safe Harbors” will do whatever they can to make you feel comfortable. “Safe Harbors” will do whatever they can to keep you safe.

20 Real Life: How will I receive strength and courage? It is very important for you to know that it is okay to be frightened or scared at certain times of your life. There will always be an adult who will be there to assist you. You never need to deal with these “storms” alone. Remember Jesus said, “I am with you always until the end of the world.” (NAB)

21 What happens next? First you will need to tell your “Safe Harbor” everything. YYou need to be truthful. YYou need to be specific. DDo not be judgmental. *Your “Safe Harbor” will tell you what will happen, what information will be used, who it will be reported to, and what will happen next. *Be sure to ask questions at any time. *If you do not feel safe, tell your “Safe Harbor”. *Your “Safe Harbor” will continue to inform you what will happen next. *There will be a solution.

22 What would Jesus do? What does the Church ask of each of us? What can we do to stop the “storms” in our lives? What can we hope for? The Church’s “Safe Harbor”: Jesus Christ

23 Final Prayer Holy Spirit, be with me. Help me to know that you live within me. Help me if I feel uncomfortable to be able to tell someone about it. Keep me safe in your embrace Now and throughout my life. Amen.