Conference questions (2014) – almost! (contd)

“52. Would Conference discuss and make recommendations: that as a Fellowship, we are failing to continue to raise awareness on an ongoing basis as is required by law, by not paying enough attention or challenging the unacceptable, inappropriate and unlawful sexual conduct by some AA members. 

Awareness of this problem has been brought to the attention of Conference on numerous occasions throughout the years, but the truth is there are still a minority of people who continue to take advantage of the more vulnerable members of the Fellowship in a completely unacceptable manner.

As part of our service to the Fellowship we must protect our members and stay out of public controversy.

Recent events within the UK have highlighted the need for all organisations to be dealing with problems such as these on an ongoing and transparent way.

The discussion document of 2000 was highlighted as a starting point only and in these current times it is essential we are able to demonstrate we have moved from the starting point, and ensure that every member of this Fellowship is reminded, on a regular and ongoing basis, of their individual responsibilities for their personal conduct.

Terms of Reference 6/7 Guidance regarding personal conduct matters can be found in the AA Structure Handbook”

Comment: As indicated above guidance already exists on how to deal with this problem. However such advice is useless unless acted upon. Infractions which constitute criminal conduct should, of course, be promptly reported to the police. The responsibility for the remainder rest with the AA group and its members. Sexual predators are usually easily identifiable. We're not talking about 'boy meets girl' in AA and falls in love/lust etc. We're referring to those who deliberately (and serially) target vulnerable newcomers in order to exploit them. Warning newcomers is usually sufficient to safeguard them. Occasionally, however, it is necessary to inform the perpetrators that their conduct is not acceptable in the group, and they may be excluded so long as they persist. The argument that their recovery is thereby put at risk is no defence. They are merely being held accountable for their own actions. The choice to change is theirs. Newcomers also have a right to recovery. It should be noted here that exploitative conduct is not merely limited to the sexual sphere. There are others forms of abusive behaviour occurring within AA much of which is dealt with on the aacultwatch site (ie. the cult)

See here for a full list of other questions that didn't quite get through the 'filter'

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)