| Fighting Abuse in Our Community By Michael Thorn Periodically accounts of abuse of power arise within our community. These allegations are shocking and saddening. It means someone is using the Craft to gain power-over others. It seems clear that problems with the abuse of power arise in all Craft communities at one time. Over the years I have heard many rumors. I've always felt that there are two sides to each story and that the truth is somewhere in between. Not all reports of abuse are true and we can never know all the details. It is irresponsible and unfair to spread allegations of abuse throughout the community. Damage done can never be undone. That said, I am very concerned about such abuses in our community. How to handle these situations is a delicate matter. The real issue is prevention. How do we prevent leaders of groups from using power over others? How do we prevent sexual abuse? We simply cannot police our own community. It is logistically and practically impossible. Groups are autonomous. You cannot prevent people from joining abusive groups. We have no overseeing body, no councils, and those bodies that do exist are often accused of abuse themselves. We do not want to start our own witch-hunts. The only option that has some chance of working is education and full use of the legal system. Only by educating those new to the Craft can we hope to assist them in making good choices. It is a challenge since those who are new may have no idea of what to expect. Nevertheless, they must learn that there are other options. They can leave a group or teacher without fear of curses and threats. For our part we must discuss with each other the limits of acceptability. Some groups do use sexual initiations and rites. Do we speak against them or just try to encourage groups to assure that all is done with consent? Our diversity as a religion also means that we have a diverse method of worship. We must encourage that diversity while emphasizing empowerment. There are methods of dealing with allegations that cross the boundary into illegal activities. The legal system must be used to the fullest. If there is an allegation brought to your attention that might have any legal recourse you must urge the alleged victim to report it and work with the authorities. Rumors must be dealt with swiftly and decisively. If the accuser refuses to take action but continues to repeat the accusations throughout the community take action against the accuser. The accused has rights in our society as well. While we would like to think that once accusations are made all will take notice and act accordingly, it simply is not so. The Craft community is not a legal body. We cannot stop someone from teaching, and we can do little to stop abuse. Our recourse is to use the systems that other religions use. Educate, educate, educate. Never stop. Use the legal system to the fullest extent possible. And pray to the God/dess for guidance. | 
