Living as a victim-survivor of childhood sexual abuse can be emotionally confusing and traumatizing. Too many victim-survivors struggle with the pain for years, causing them to experience night terrors, shame, betrayal, fear, isolation, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, broken relationships, self-injury, etc., etc., etc. Often it results in being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims are often triggered and are re-traumatized by sharing their stories. Too often, victims fall prey to domestic violence and spiritual abuse. Every fibre of their being is shattered …. Emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
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Just this week I heard of a beautiful young woman who is living with so much pain from childhood sexual and physical abuse that she wants to end her life, seeking medical assistance in dying.
How tragic, how unnecessary!
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We cannot rest on our laurels. Fifteen years ago, this month I sold our first Plan to Protect® membership. Since then we have continued to raise awareness of the prevalence of abuse and have invited thousands of churches, charities, schools, camps, businesses, municipalities nursing homes, international organizations to join us in our mission to win the race against abuse.
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Every time I think about retirement and the next chapter of my life, I hear another tragic story of abuse and know that my work is not yet done. |
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This month in Canada we celebrate child abuse awareness and prevention month. Will you watch with me and join me in a moment of silence, as we whisper a prayer for this young woman who wants to end her life and countless others who are walking among us also experiencing similar pain. Will you join me in gaining greater insight into the prevalence of abuse of children? |
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I will be hosting a one-hour special interest webinar and reflection on Thursday, October 13th from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. EST in recognition of child abuse awareness. You will do me the greatest honour if you join me for this one hour where we stand guard for this coming generation of children and teens.
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I will also share recent research I have completed on child safeguarding during the last 50 years. This research is part of a study that I completed on the progression of thought on child safety and how the standard of safeguarding has evolved over the years. Included in this seminar, we will also share how the standard of safeguarding has shifted. What have we learned? What do we still need to learn? |
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Sincerely,
Melodie Bissell, DMin
President
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Another reason I will not join my friends and siblings yet in retirement is because I once again am a grandma of a beautiful baby girl. Emilia was born in Kenya in July. I have not yet met her in person but almost every day her parents send me pictures and videos.
I want Emilia and her brother to grow up in a safe world, one free from pain and suffering caused by abuse. I want Emelia to know who the safe people in her life are. I am so grateful for the aunties and uncles that are part of her community that are protecting her from harm.
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Will you join the network of members that are committed to safeguarding the next generation of children?
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Join Plan to Protect® as a new member in October and you will receive a copy of “How Much Is a Little Girl Worth?" By Rachel Denhollander.
You're beautiful, worthy, and you should be loved
Because of all that you are.
Different from anything else in the world,
You are precious beyond the stars.
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How Much Is a Little Girl Worth? is Rachael Denhollander’s tender-hearted anthem to little girls everywhere, teaching them that they have immeasurable worth because they are made in the image of God. Armed with this understanding, girls will develop confidence in their own value and blossom into women who can face any challenge life puts in their path. |
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Includes heartwarming, vibrant, four-color illustrations by popular illustrator Morgan Huff. |
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Rachael Denhollander is an attorney, advocate, and educator who became known internationally as the first woman to speak publicly against USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, one of the most prolific sexual abusers in recorded history. Recognized as a TIME 100 honoree and a 2018 Glamour Woman of the Year, Denhollander encourages all girls to find their voices and love themselves in this book. This hardcover picture book for little girls is one of the best inspirational books with a message that resonates beyond its young intended audience.
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Check out our Training in October! |
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October 16, 2022
12:00pm - 1:00pm Eastern Time
Special Interest: Child and Youth Abuse
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In this foundational webinar, we will gain new insights into the prevalence of child abuse, and a multi-disciplinary approach to healing, psychologically, physically, and spiritually. We will also discuss the impact of resilience and community's role. Melodie will provide an overview also of the history of safeguarding.
for details and registration.
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October 4, 2022
2:00pm - 3:00pm Eastern Time Elder Abuse Awareness
A one-hour seminar designed to raise the awareness of Elder Abuse. During this community event, we will learn what Elder Abuse is, how to recognize and respond to it. Everyone is welcome! Let's plan to protect!
for details and registration.
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October 18, 2022
12:30pm - 1:00pm Eastern Time
Learn the basics and standard of Plan to Protect. This is a complimentary webinar. Register to participate LIVE with Q&A time, or to receive access to an instant replay.
for details and registration.
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October 20, 2022
8:00pm - 9:30pm Eastern Time
Great for individuals and groups who need to be refreshed in Plan to Protect® policies and procedures.
for details and registration.
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October 22, 2022
1:00pm - 3:30pm Eastern Time
Join us for this 2 hour orientation training covering awareness of abuse and so much more!
for details and registration.
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Did you know that the average cost a church or charity may have to pay out for a critical incident ranges from $25,000 - $250,000. That does not even include if it goes to court and litigation. However, it does include legal fees, a public image consultant, investigations, victim advocacy, counselling, etc. Are you prepared if that happens? |
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Benjamin Franklin famously advised fire-threatened Philadelphians in 1736 that “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Clearly, preventing fires is better than fighting them, but to what extent can we protect ourselves from natural disasters? |
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At Plan to Protect® we would much rather help you prevent abuse from happening than to bear witness to the impact and pain of abuse that your community and organization would face if it did occur.
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For this reason, we remind you how important it is to budget for the upcoming year for prevention and response. And yes, we are often asked for assistance in preparing and submitting budget requests. If you are establishing your budget for 2023, one way to demonstrate that safeguarding is a priority and value is to secure leadership buy in and budgeting for the costs involved in raising the bar on protection and abuse prevention. |
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Here is a list of items that you may want to consider including in your upcoming budget to ensure that you have the resources necessary to protect children, youth and vulnerable adults: |
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- Policy Audit
- Policy Update
- Customized Policies
- Board Training
- Professional Development for your Administrator, Trainer, and Board Members
- Onsite training
- Online training for your staff members and volunteers
- Criminal record checks for new team members
- Criminal record check renewals for those that were screened during or before 2019
- Investigation
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Plan to Protect® membership
- Resources for your library
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A Plan to Protect® training license
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Plan to Protect® APPs for your volunteers
- Insurance coverage (for Abuse)
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Request a quote on any of these services to include in your budget preparation submission - please reach out to info@plantoprotect.com Reference code BUDGET23
As a thank you we will gift you a $25 gift certificate valid until December 31, 2023.
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“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
Warren Buffet
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We are currently recruiting to fill two roles with Plan to Protect. Please visit our Careers page and see if you are our ideal candidate.
The two positions are:
- Membership Account Manager (PT - Hybrid)
- Member and Customer Service Support (FT - Stouffville, ON)
Plan to Protect thanks all candidates for their interest. However, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
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