RCA Issues Strong Resolution Condemning Child Abuse

The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) today released a resolution reaffirming its commitment to preventing sexual and physical abuse in the Orthodox community and supporting victims and their families. 


The announcement, posted on RCA's website and circulated among community activists and professionals, cites the incidents "of high profile cases in which Orthodox rabbis have been indicted or convicted for child abuse or child endangerment" and  acknowledges the devastation that abuse causes for victims and their families and the difficulties associated with victims' coming forward with reports. It reiterates RCA's position that it is "halakhically obligatory" to report abuse to law enforcement and that doing so does not violate the laws of mesirah (reporting crimes to the civil authorities) or arka’ot (adjudication in civil courts).


The RCA resolves to publicly address future cases involving abuse in the Jewish community and to train members annually in "understanding and responding to issues of child abuse." It also calls on RCA members to prominently post information about abuse services in "all synagogues, schools, and Jewish community institutions serviced by its members" and to " address the issues of child abuse in their communities in at least one sermon, lecture or article within the next twelve months." 


Some activists, while praising the statement, still note that it leaves out mention of adult victims. They caution that that omission might allow the community to view situations of community leaders sexually exploiting adult congregants or followers as consensual relationships rather than as the serious violations that they are. Such situations often result in serious consequences for their victims, including being shunned or threatened by the community and losing custody battles.  


Nevertheless, this strong position and the specificity of the resolution are being applauded by community groups who see it as an important step toward increasing community awareness and responsibility on the issue of sexual abuse. It also sets the RCA widely apart from the Haredi Agudas Yisroel of America, whose executive vice president, Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, addressed the issue in general terms several months ago at their own convention, but have yet to take action or make any specific commitments.