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Published on 2024-02-20 05:00:05
Maria’s story is just one of many that have surfaced in recent years, highlighting the unchecked sexual abuse crisis within the Jehovah’s Witnesses community. The disturbing accounts of mistreatment, isolation, and institutional betrayal have left many reeling, leading to the reexamination of the organisation’s practices and policies. The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ reluctance to involve law enforcement, the implementation of the two-witness rule, and the existence of a secretive database have all come under intense scrutiny as a result of these revelations.
The two-witness rule, in particular, has sparked widespread controversy. It requires that there be two eyewitnesses to an act of abuse for the church to take any decisive action—an absurd and damaging policy for a crime that is inherently hidden and secretive. This rule, amongst others, has resulted in countless survivors being denied the justice and care they deserve. Instead, they have been met with hostility, disbelief, and ultimately, abandonment.
The Royal Commission found evidence of these failings within the organisation, stating that children and young adults within the JW community were not adequately protected from the risk of abuse. It also revealed that the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ policies and procedures for addressing complaints of abuse lack the necessary understanding and empathy required to deal with such sensitive and traumatic situations. The practice of not reporting instances of abuse to authorities showed a severe dereliction of the duty to ensure the safety and well-being of children and survivors.
Instances such as Maria’s, John Viney’s, and Jose Lopez’s have also shed light on the psychological, emotional, and familial fallout of leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The deliberate distancing and shunning of former members have caused immeasurable pain and suffering, exacerbating the trauma experienced by survivors of abuse. This has resulted in a growing number of individuals speaking out about their experiences and seeking justice and accountability from the organisation.
As news of these scandalous events continues to emerge, there is an urgent call for the Jehovah’s Witnesses to address the deep-seated issues within its hierarchy, policies, and practices. Accountability, transparency, and, most importantly, genuine care for survivors must be prioritized. It is essential that the faith and trust of millions of individuals who look to the Jehovah’s Witnesses for guidance and support be deservedly restored.
It is clear that the Jehovah’s Witnesses are facing a pivotal moment. The organisation has the opportunity to make significant reforms and truly embody the values of love, care, empathy, and justice it claims to uphold. By confronting its past failings head-on, the Jehovah’s Witnesses can truly live up to its mission of serving and protecting its members with unwavering dedication and compassion.
As individuals like Maria, John Viney, and Jose Lopez demand accountability and seek justice, it is crucial for the broader community, society, and government to stand in solidarity with them. Through collective action, advocacy, and support, the voices of survivors and former members can lead to meaningful and lasting change within the Jehovah’s Witnesses community. Only then can the organisation begin to rebuild the trust and faith that it has lost and truly become a safe and nurturing environment for all who seek solace and spiritual guidance.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
