Commentary
No one expects violence at religious oriented youth events. Yet shockingly, it can and does occur. Thankfully these occurrences are rare. Ministers must be trained not only to prevent such violence, but to deal effectively with it should it occur.
Prevention
The old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” must be applied here. Prevention can take a myriad of forms.
Screening Participants
Effective screening may prevent individuals with violent tendencies from attending events (unless an event was particularly designed to assist such individuals).
Effective Supervision
As stated in section five, no activity or event should take place outside the guidelines mandated by For the Sake of God’s Children. Also, be sure that personnel responsible for supervising youth events are properly trained. Effective supervision requires, among other things, that youth supervisors be trained to perceive and diffuse conflicts that are potentially violent. Supervisors should also be trained in basic first aid. Participating youth should be advised immediately to call to a supervisor’s attention any problems.
Coping
Hopefully, properly trained youth ministry leaders are able to successfully diffuse a potentially violent situation. But if violence does actually erupt, personnel must be adequately prepared with an appropriate response. The appropriate response in any given situation will be unique to that situation. The considerations listed below are not listed in priority order because the priority in any given situation may vary.
Summon Police Assistance
If necessary, summon police to quell violence and/or to remove the offender, to summon medical attention, and to make a police report.
Summon Medical Attention
Attempt to reach parents and see that injured persons promptly receive all necessary medical treatment.
Notify Victim(s) Parents
Candor is essential. Promptly advise and assure parents, to the best of your knowledge, what occurred and what was done to assist the victim and remedy the situation. Parental tension and concern can be diffused by these assurances. Suggest and offer any necessary medical or counseling assistance to the victim. Follow up the initial contact to make certain that the victim recovered from the incident.
Notify Offender(s) Parents
Promptly advise parents of the offender, to the best of your knowledge, what occurred and have parents make immediate arrangements to retrieve the offender. Suggest counseling assistance to the offender as well.
Notify Organization/Diocesan Office
Promptly notify appropriate parish officials (i.e., pastor, supervisors, etc.) as well as the diocesan Office for Catholic Youth Ministry and seek their input and guidance.
Have a Crisis Plan in Place
See the document For the Sake of God’s Children for more information on how your parish or organization can create a crisis response plan.