Guatemala (MNN) – Sexual violence against children in Guatemala is rampant, but AMG International is working to change this cultural norm and bring restoration for hurting children.
AMG will soon celebrate 50 years of work in Guatemala. AMG has built schools, medical projects, clinics, and hospitals, responding to others’ needs. Today, it works with a large network of churches and schools in the country.
Over the last ten years, one of the biggest focuses within the country has been combating the widespread abuse, neglect, and trauma in the lives of children.
Even more alarming are the numbers of children, both girls and boys, suffering at the hands of sexual violence in desperate situations.
The local statistics show that on average 17 reports of child abuse are filed daily, and numbers are much higher than this because so much goes unreported.
Brian Dennett with AMG says, “Much of the abuse is happening very close to home, with seven out of 10 aggressors being family members.”
Over 10 years ago, AMG partnered with International Justice Mission (IJM) from Washington, DC, to open a child protection facility that works to rescue children, prosecute abusers, and provide Christ-centered counseling for children and their families.
AMG also provides legal support for families by working to put abusers behind bars.
To be a part of restoration and transformation and really focusing on their dignity and hope for them is such a blessing.
Abuse is especially common in areas of Guatemala City. (Photo by Juan Carlos Pavon via Unsplash)
Dennett says that the organization has seen great results from their work in Guatemala City, and has become a model or test site in how they will combat these issues in other countries as well.
AMG and IJM are also both working to create systemic change within the government.
“Together with IJM,” says Dennett, “We’ve co-written a groundbreaking law that speeds up the process of child abuse cases and avoids re-victimization of those kids. The law was actually passed by the Guatemalan government, by Congress, and has been a major victory for children’s rights.”
“Our vision to restore these children and build a culture where abuse is not tolerated has been just one of the greatest endeavors that we have undertaken,” says Dennett.
As AMG seeks to provide the healing of Christ, their work is seeing fruit.
At just 10 years old Camille was being abused by her grandfather. Her world collapsing, her teachers and the AMG team noticed her complete lack of joy.
“She had lost her happiness, her voice, any hope,” says Dennett. “But through our child protection program and our team there, she found healing, including her family. She received counsel, legal protection, spiritual care, and really just a lot of love surrounding her.”
Today, Camille is smiling again. She has hope and is dreaming of a future, possibly even helping other girls like her.
“Her story really represents a lot of children in Guatemala and other countries, where we’re able to rescue, heal, and really provide a new life, all wrapped in the joy of the Lord, coming to know Jesus, and who they are in Jesus. And of course, like everything we do, the gospel is at the heart of our work. The love we have for and from Jesus motivates us.”
Restoration is beyond emotion and the organization uses a spiritually motivated methodology with a child’s identity being rooted in Christ.
“Every child we work with is hearing the truth about who they are and who Jesus is, and that they are loved, they are valuable, and that they are just beautiful masterpieces created by the Lord and never forgotten,” says Dennett.
AMG is trying to raise around $50,000 to expand its program in Guatemala to provide safe environments, counseling, individual and group therapy, and spiritual formation for children, bringing relief and restoration.
Please join AMG in prayer and advocacy for these victims of abuse and give if led to break the silence and bring hope and justice.
Header Image by Kaufdex from Pixabay
