Trans-European Division Votes Abuse Policy

Policy outlines action to prevent and/or investigate allegations of abuse

According to tedNEWS, an update of the Abuse Policy was voted on at the Year-End Meeting of the Trans-European Division (TED) in Montenegro on October 26, 2023. The agenda item was presented by the Executive Secretary, Róbert Cs. Csizmadia and Family Ministries director, Karen Holford and is intended not only to be applicable for TED employees but to also serve as a model for Unions and Institutional entities to review within a year. You will find the complete text in the original news:

https://ted.adventist.org/news/trans-european-division-vote-abuse-policy/

In short, the policy addresses the affirmation of Biblical Values Against Abuse and the dignity and equality of all humans who must be treated with respect and love, leading to holistic health and well-being.

The policy defines and condemns various kinds of improper and/or criminal behavior including harassment and bullying. Various kinds of abuse are addressed, including physical, sexual, emotional, and spiritual abuse, and general principles of organizational response to allegations of abuse are explained. The responsibilities of the employer and employee are listed, as well as the duty to report incidents and how to investigate them. The protection of children and vulnerable persons is stressed as well as the care for victims/survivors and the respect for their choices in dealing with their abuse. The employing organization must take care to not employ perpetrators or persons with a history as abusers.