When a child is abused, many victims are created, including the child, the congregation, the child’s family, and even the family of the abuser. Of course, of foremost importance is the child who has been harmed and he or she must be cared for. Innocence has been stolen from the child and the trauma of abuse causes emotional injury as well as physical injury. Feelings of mistrust, guilt, and sheer emotional pain are scars that can last through the victim’s life. Spiritually, great harm is done to the child when a trusted person in the temple community perpetrates the abuse. The child may struggle with faith in Krishna and the temple with questions like: “If Krishna loves children, how could He let this happen to me?” and “How can the devotees go on chanting and taking part in kirtan, acting like nothing has happened?” Experiences of child abuse create emotional effects, as well as physical, that can be profound and affect the person well into their future, even to adulthood.
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If any such child abuse is brought to the attention of the child protection team, the team should act upon it with deliberation. The longer the abuse goes on, the more harm it does to the child. If you suspect a child is in a dangerous situation, take immediate action. Every team should learn and follow local laws on mandated reporting of child abuse to civil authorities. It is our responsibility to protect the children sent to us by Lord Krishna and Srila Prabhupada.