- Physical abuse: When a person purposely injures or threatens to injure a child, young person, or vulnerable adult.
- Emotional abuse: An attack on a child’s, young person’s, or vulnerable adult’s self-esteem, such as bullying, name-calling, threatening, ridiculing, harassing, intimidating, or isolating them.
- Sexual abuse: Any sexual act or sexual threat imposed on a child, young person, or vulnerable adult.
- Grooming: Predatory conduct undertaken to prepare a child, young person, or vulnerable adult for sexual activity.
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation: Behaviours or verbal indications that a person may be at risk of intentionally harming themselves or ending their life. This includes expressions of hopelessness, withdrawal, or direct statements about wanting to die or self-injure.
3. Introduction
Centrepoint Church acknowledges God’s love for all people and our responsibility to provide a safe, nurturing environment, especially for children and vulnerable individuals. As part of the Australian Christian Churches (ACC), we are committed to implementing the ACC Child Protection Policy and Safer Churches strategy in all church operations.
We recognise that psychological and emotional wellbeing is as important as physical safety. Therefore, we are committed to responding compassionately and responsibly to individuals expressing self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
4. Reporting Obligations
Staff, leaders, and volunteers must respond respectfully and supportively to any disclosure or concern. If they observe or receive information suggesting abuse, harm, or risk to personal safety—including self-harm or suicidal ideation—they must report it immediately, whether based on direct knowledge or suspicion.
5. Reporting Procedures
- All concerns must be reported immediately to a Pastor or the Safer Church Coordinator. Do not attempt to investigate personally.
- Complete this form with details of the concern or pass the information to a Pastor or Coordinator who will do so.
- Treat all information as strictly confidential. Never inform the alleged perpetrator.
- The Pastor must take immediate action and inform the Safer Church Coordinator as soon as practicable.
- In the case of suicidal ideation or self-harm, immediate steps should be taken to ensure the person’s safety, including contacting emergency services if the person is at imminent risk.
6. Reportable Conduct Scheme As of 1 January 2024, Centrepoint Church must notify the WA Ombudsman within 7 days of any child abuse allegations involving staff or volunteers. The Church must investigate and submit a final report. Reportable conduct includes:
