Christian Religious Education and the Prevention of Child Sexual Violence: The Role of Teachers and Parents in Shaping Ethical Awareness

Abstract

Child sexual abuse is a serious and increasingly alarming problem, including in Ambon Island, where data show a rising trend of cases each year, with most perpetrators coming from the child’s closest environment. This condition requires integrated preventive efforts involving families, schools, and faith communities. Christian Religious Education (CRE) has a significant contribution in preventing sexual violence by instilling ethical values, teaching the dignity of human beings as Imago Dei, and shaping children’s awareness to protect themselves from abuse. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach by examining literature, case reports, and theological reflections. The findings reveal that teachers act as protection agents in schools by creating safe learning environments, conducting early detection of sexual violence, and teaching self-protection grounded in Christian values. Meanwhile, parents, as the primary educators at home, play a crucial role through early Christian-based sexuality education, open communication, digital media supervision, and modeling a loving lifestyle. The synergy between teachers and parents, supported by the church and community, forms a holistic protection system for children. Thus, CRE is not merely a medium of faith instruction but also an ethical and practical instrument in preventing child sexual abuse and shaping a Christian generation that is ethically aware, able to resist abuse, and committed to living in the love of Christ.

Keywords: Christian Religious Education, child sexual abuse, teachers, parents, ethical awareness