It is not surprising that the topic of child protection generates the same kind of heated debate between ringers as it does among the wider population.

It is difficult to feel neutral about child abuse.  If we allow ourselves to think of children being deliberately harmed by adults it is more common for us to feel a sense of shock, anger and distress.  We ask, ”how could anyone do such a thing?”  For most people, many of whom are also devoted parents, it is impossible to imagine the thinking of someone who sets out systematically to physically, sexually or emotionally harm a child.

In order to cope with our feelings about abusive adults and avoid thinking too much about the suffering of children it is an understandable reaction to try to deal with our own discomfort by putting some distance between the reality and our own view of the world.  To protect ourselves we may find it easier to deny the truth about child abuse than face up to what happens.

This is not to say we do not care about what is happening.  We may care very much but find the matter so disturbing that we choose not to dwell on such thoughts and get on with our own lives.

Whilst denial of the problem may help us it most certainly does not help to protect the children who are suffering abuse today or those at risk of harm tomorrow.  Neither does it help those adults who have experience of abuse in their own childhoods.  They may be our relatives, friends, work colleagues or members of our own ringing fraternity.  It is not helpful to have a “them and us” attitude to this.  A more compassionate approach is needed.

Just as child abuse can affect anyone, so those who seek to abuse will be amongst us, not “ out there.”  Child abuse is complex and is surrounded by secrecy.  It is thought that only a fraction of serious abuses against children are reported and that a tiny minority of offenders are ever brought to justice.  Most children are too frightened to tell anyone what is happening and may endure years of suffering as a result.  This prevents children from receiving the help and protection they need and allows many offenders to continue with their activities unchecked.

We know that those who commit these offences, in particular, sex offenders, are plausible people from all walks of life.  They will deceive and are very determined.  They are known to target activities where they can gain access to young people and will take time to win the confidence not only of children but also the adults caring for them.  Church based activities are no exception and in fact may provide the potential abuser with a cloak of respectability which makes detection far more difficult and disclosure by children less likely.

It is within this context that we as ringers must try to accept that child abuse does exist and that we, as adults and members of our respective towers, can do something positive and constructive to ensure that children and young people enjoy ringing in a safe environment.

We can be angry that child abuse is still a significant and serious problem in our society but that must not deter us from taking sensible and practical steps to keep children and young people safe.  Denial is not helpful and the behaviour of abusers puts us all at risk.  The welfare of children is paramount and the responsibility for their welfare belongs to everyone.  Parents are increasingly being encouraged to ask more questions about child protection checks on those who are in contact with their children.  CRB checks will help us to identify those with convictions or where there are serious concerns.  However, as many abusers never come to the attention of the police or social services despite long careers as offenders it is essential that we all remain vigilant and aware of potential risks.

The Diocesan Child Protection Guidelines are informed by our knowledge of how offenders operate, how children are harmed and how they can best be protected.  They are there to safeguard children and offer some protection against possible malicious allegations.  They can help us to take prompt and appropriate action where necessary and reduce risk.

We need to welcome children and young people to ringing and be satisfied that we have done everything possible to ensure their wellbeing.  If we use these guidelines wisely and make sure that safe practices are encouraged in all our ringing activities then we can continue confidently to promote ringing as the enjoyable and worthwhile activity that it is, safe and open to all ages.

Janet Foulds

Janet Foulds is a qualified social worker and a ringer at Derby Cathedral.