abuse
treatment of one individual by another in such a way that their humanity is disregarded and they are personally damaged. The most common usage until recently has related to the physical abuse of children by beating. In recent years the connotation has become overlaid with the connotation of sexual harm. The sense of moral outrage against this kind of invasion of children’s vulnerability, has led to extensive publicity being given to the dangers from paedophiles (literally ‘lovers of children’). The incidence of such activities on the part of priests and other Christian ministers has come as a major shock and embarrassment to the churches, all of which have now put in place independent monitoring arrangements. Less attention has been given to the sad fact that most abuse, including sexual abuse, still takes place within families. Although within Christianity there is a tradition of using physical punishment to discipline children, as well as adult sinners, there is no justification whatsoever for abuse in any form. Whoever is abused deserves release and special support. Abusers need special restraint and help. What healing is possible for those involved is impossible to predict, though mightily yearned for all comcerned.