IntroductionThank you for considering completing this confidential survey. To better understand the survey, we have some preliminary information about the scope of the investigation, some resources to assist you with the potential triggering nature of the information we are requesting, as well as some information about how the information provided may be used in the final report.
Scope of the investigationZero Abuse Project has been selected by Hillcrest School, Resonate Global Mission, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Church of the Brethren, SIM Nigeria, Pioneers UK, General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, North American Baptist Conference, Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada, and the Hillcrest Survivors Steering Committee to conduct an independent investigation and assessment of allegations of sexual[1], physical[2], psychological[3] and spiritual abuse[4] at Hillcrest School, including their participating dormitories, and any involvement or responsibility by mission communities with respect to such allegations at Hillcrest School and the participating dormitories, from its inception in 1942 to the present day.
The investigation will include whether Hillcrest School or others in authority had knowledge of the abuse and, if so, how it responded to the allegations of abuse. As part of this investigation, Zero Abuse Project will consider and evaluate the culture of Hillcrest School and how the environment and culture may have contributed to the abuse and its response to such. Cultural issues may include reports of abuse or harassment based on racism, religious intolerance, or a student’s gender or sexual identity.
It is not our intent to change a theological or Biblical construct of any of the participating faith communities, but we will assess whether a theological or Biblical construct was used to justify crimes or misconduct that a reasonable person would regard to be abuse. We will also review current and/or past Hillcrest institutional policies and practices as they relate to preventing and responding to abuse.
Footnotes Definitions - [1], [2], [3], [4] link
The purpose of the surveyThe purpose of this confidential survey is to 1) collect all relevant information consistent with the scope of this investigation and assessment, 2) assist Zero Abuse Project in identifying individuals who may have relevant information that we could contact to schedule follow-up interviews relevant to this work, and 3) assist Zero Abuse Project in making recommendations to Hillcrest and the mission agencies in addressing past maltreatment and in reducing the risk of future harm.