A policy document for dealing with reports/complaints of sexual abuse was established by the Assembly Council of the Baptist Union in 1994.

Abuse occurs in interpersonal relationships where one person seeks to manipulate, control or exploit another person inappropriately. This can be in the form of physical, verbal, sexual, spiritual, psychological or emotional abuse.

The churches of the Baptist Union of New Zealand recognise and take seriously that every person, including every child and young person, is entitled to be safe from harassment or abuse. If you or someone you know has been abused by a Baptist Pastor or member of a Church, we urge you to seek counselling and healing, even if this abuse happened many years ago or you would prefer to remain anonymous. You do not have to report abuse to the Church, you may report to the Baptist Union or Police. We want to assure you that all reports will be taken seriously and with sensitivity. At all times we seek to ensure that this process is conducted in a way that brings clarification, healing and restoration wherever possible. In cases where the abuse is of a criminal nature, we encourage the victim to report this to the Police and will support them in doing so. We will cooperate with and provide known information to the authorities.

If you have an enquiry or would like to make a report, please contact our National Office on 09 526 0338 or email us.