School gym becomes classroom for adults learning to protect kids

Published: 2004-04-13

BETHESDA, Md. (CNS) -- In a grade school gym on a rainy night, Harriann Walker strode between the basketball hoops overhead telling more than 100 adults how to protect children from sex abuse. "Sex abusers rely on their power over victims. They feel love for their victims. They look for jobs enabling them to have contact with children. They look like everybody else," she said, her hands moving rhythmically as she ticked off the points. Walker, a Catholic school educator for almost 30 years, now has turned her attention to adults, too. She is one of 12 people in the Washington Archdiocese specially trained to teach parents and church volunteers about child sex abuse and archdiocesan policies to prevent it. Because of the clergy sex abuse crisis, similar classes are taking place throughout the United States as dioceses implement safe environment programs aimed at instructing priests, employees, volunteers and children.

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