LONDON (UK)
The Independent
November 20, 2017
By Craig Simpson
Victims say they were told by elders not to report sexual abuse within Jehovah’s Witness community
Alleged victims have claimed the church told them to keep quiet, with one saying she was told reporting it would “bring reproach on Jehovah”.
The BBC says it has spoken to members who described how the rules of the religion prevented proper reporting and protected perpetrators.
It has been alleged elders of the faith advised victims not to report abuse to police, and that no internal action was taken due to a “two-witness” rule.
This requires two witnesses for any sin committed in order for the elders of the faith to take any action.
In cases of sexual abuse, the presence of two witnesses is extremely rare.
Louise Palmer, 41, began being raped by her now-convicted brother Richard Davenport when she was just four years old.
Both were born into the Jehovah’s Witness community.
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