A known offender is a person who is, or wants to be, part of your church community and who is known to have committed sexual abuse. This may be known through the individual admitting to church leadership a past sexual offense and/or leadership becoming aware of past or current convictions, allegations or investigations into sexual abuse.
A person of concern (POC) is a more general term meaning an individual who poses a risk to others in the church community. This may include suspicion of having committed sexual abuse, as well as inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature. Other concerning behaviours, such as repeated breaching of appropriate boundaries or an individual’s WWCC being denied or revoked, may also place your church members at risk of harm and should also be addressed.
While demonstrating genuine compassion and justice, you must take steps to protect the whole church community. If you are aware of a known offender or person of concern attending your church, or involved in leadership, you should immediately contact the BUV Church Safeguarding Consultant. professional.standards@buv.com.au