Abuse Awareness and Prevention Network

Origins and formation (2021–2022)

 

The network emerged from growing recognition among Canadian churches and Christian organizations that abuse prevention required shared learning, collaboration, and stronger safeguarding practices across ministry sectors. Increased public awareness of abuse, especially through movements such as #MeToo. The network highlighted the need for churches to improve prevention and response mechanisms.

 

In response, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada convened leaders from several ministries that were already engaged in abuse awareness and prevention work. These conversations led to the creation of the Abuse Awareness and Prevention Network, which was formally launched in 2022.

 

The purpose of the network was to provide a national forum for collaboration, enabling Christian organizations to:

• share best practices and increase opportunities for cross-pollination of ideas and resources

• provide a safe community for Evangelical and evangelically-aligned abuse awareness and prevention practitioners to gather

• develop training resources

• support churches and organizations responding to abuse

• strengthen prevention strategies across ministries

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Founding organizations​

 

The network was formed by The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada together with five partner ministries, creating a collaborative leadership group representing different areas of Christian ministry.The founding partners included:

• The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

• Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons)

• Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada

• Mennonite Central Committee Canada

• Christian Reformed Church in North America (Safe Church Ministry)

• Small Church Connections

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​Early development and activities​

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Following its formation, the network focused on building a community of practitioners working in abuse awareness and safeguarding across Christian ministries.Key initiatives have included:

• hosting national consultations with ministry leaders, view the 2022 report here (link to 2022 AAPN consultation document)

• developing shared resource lists and training materials

• facilitating peer learning among abuse-prevention practitioners

• organizing conferences and workshops.

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In the fall of 2024, AAPN’s Reducing the Risk conference in Toronto provided training, innovative presentations, role-play theatrical case studies, and practical tools for pastors, ministry leaders, and safeguarding practitioners.

 

The AAPN expanded in 2025 to form a new advisory team bringing together expertise from:

• denominational safe-church programs and operations

• disability ministry and care settings

• pastoral care and counselling

• abuse response and prevention initiatives

• church leadership training

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​Advisory team members (2026)​​

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• Elke Carlson (Chair) — Director of Safe Ministry (The Alliance Canada)

• Carel Geleynse - Safe Church Coordinator (Christian Reformed Church)

• Atie Ott — Safe Church Advocate (Christian Reformed Church)

• Gloria Johnston, M.T.S. — Pastoral leader and abuse prevention advocate

• Jaymie Friesen — Abuse Response and Prevention Coordinator (Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba)

• Joel Gordon — Evangelical Fellowship of Canada representative

• Jill Swinton - End Abuse Program Coordinator (MCC BC End Abuse Program)

• Traci Timony  — Workplace Learning Manager (Karis Disabilities Services)

• Peter Neuman – VP Academic, Redeemer University

• Kristy Dahms – Psychotherapist, Hopewell Mental Health Services

• Cole McFarlane – Director of Operations - Vision Ministries Canada

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How the network helps

 

AAPN is a uniquely Canadian community that connects Christian ministry leaders engaged in abuse awareness, prevention, and response. Through this network, leaders have the opportunity to learn from one another, share insights, and provide mutual support. AAPN also offers access to information, practical resources, and trusted connections within the broader abuse awareness and prevention community across Canada.