About Us:

Standing Against the Silence of Sexual Abuse is dedicated to providing a voice for survivors of sexual assault. Standing Against the Silence of SA has organized a peaceful protest to ‘take a stand’ against the silence of sexual abuse that has occurred in church institutions for many decades. Due to the nature of the cause, and protesting against the problems around how sexual abuse is conducted within church institutions, Standing Against the Silence of SA is bringing aspects from a biblical standpoint, as well as a civil standpoint to voice our concerns. It is expected and understood that everyone involved in advocacy, as well as those that participate in the protest may not agree on the Christianity/religious aspect. Despite differences, we believe that we all can unite with civil decency in standing up to be a voice against sexual abuse within church institutions. We understand there are many unresolved feelings, and vulnerable emotions when silence has been endured for decades. Standing Against the Silence of SA politely asks that we put all of our differences aside during the event, and unite for the purpose of this protest, which is taking a stand to show our support for survivors that have endured abuse, along with advocating for change within church institutions on these matters. Standing Against the Silence of SA asks politely that in being a part of this protest, it remains peaceful and respectful. 

The purpose to which we are protesting:

 

  1. We are protesting to give a voice to all the survivors who have endured silently with no support from church organizations. 

 

 2. We are protesting to make awareness of how prevalent sexual abuse is, specifically within church organizations. 

 

  1. We are protesting to make awareness of organizations protectionism rather than victim-centered when dealing with sexual abuse within church organizations. 

 

  1. We are protesting for transparency within the congregation to be aware of perpetrators in order to make informed decisions on how to protect current/future victims. 
  2.  We are protesting for accountability within the leadership to ensure perpetrators are held accountable by the law. 

What goals do we want to accomplish in this protest?

 1. We want pedophiles to be held accountable in church organizations, whether in a position of leadership, staff, volunteer, or a member in the congregation. 

 

 2. We want victims who have been abused in church organizations to have a voice to speak out against the abuse with the support of a safe community that will support them. 

 

 3. We want to raise awareness of how prevalent it is for sexual abuse to occur in church organizations. 

 

 4. We want to see more transparency within congregations on how sexual abuse is handled in church organizations to create a safe environment for people to worship. 

 

 5. We want to ensure abusers (whether they have been convicted by the court of law or not) do not hold a position of leadership over children in any capacity.