From November 3 to 5, 2023, the Women's Ministries of the Las Rosas Adventist Church in Madrid held a special program entitled: "Wolves in Sheep's Clothing," which had as its special guest the national director of the Women's Ministries in Spain, Mercedes Martinez.
According to the organizers, the purpose of the program was to address the issue of abuse within the church community and to emphasize prompt assistance to victims. "We have to make sure that our sisters and brothers know that abuse is a real problem," said Raquel Jimenez, Women's Ministries director for the Las Rosas Church.
From Friday afternoon through Saturday morning, Martinez gave several seminars that show the stark reality that is affecting not only the world, but our churches. "When abuse is perpetrated by a Christian, the damage is even greater because of the inherent layer of spiritual abuse that accompanies it," the director stated.
All types of abuse harm
Among the different types of abuse that exist, during the sermon Martinez highlighted child abuse, and shared real cases to call to conscience both parents and siblings to watch over the youngest in the church. "All types of child abuse have the potential to damage a child's developing brain, predisposing them to lifelong mental and physical health problems and increasing the risks of all kinds of problems: social, emotional, behavioral and academic," she said.
She also stressed the importance of providing support to victims and responding effectively to any situation of abuse, regardless of the abuser's position, because "abuse occurs when a person uses power or influence to take advantage of a vulnerable person," said Martinez.
According to the director, the impact of abuse is not strictly linked to the severity or type of abuse, but is intimately related to the support that the victim can receive. Therefore, Martinez recommends: "First, if you can ever support a victim, you need to do so; second, if you can hold an offender accountable, do so.
Without ignoring the psychological help needed by victims, Martinez pointed out that God can heal, and by listening to His voice the victim can find rest. May we all become aware of this issue and be able to love others more and better.
Author: Sandra Rivero Noriega, from the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Madrid-Las Rosas.
Photos: Alex Morales and Lucía Fabián
https://revista.adventista.es/ministerio-de-la-mujer-una-lucha-contra-el-abuso/