A member drew our
attention to this case study (for want of a better expression) of
predatory behaviour within AA entitled: Predators Lurk in Alcoholics Anonymous
Some
extracts:
“The
structure of AA actually serves to help the individual who wants to
prey on people. New members are encouraged to seek out a “sponsor”,
a person who has been clean and sober for some time and knows the
12-step program. This person must be of the same sex. This is
ostensibly to prevent men from preying on women, but same sex
predators can – and do – exploit the AA system.“
“Ironically,
the regulars in the AA community are usually aware of who the
predators are, in fact …... came under scrutiny from a local AA
chapter, when their leadership council voted to ban him from their
meeting place after accusations of inappropriate behavior with
sponsees.“
“After
…... was banned from that AA location, a general meeting was held
which drew a standing-room-only crowd and resulted in heated debate.
…... admitted he had engaged in homosexual behavior in his past but
denied inappropriate actions with members of AA. Many were
unconvinced, but the crowd voted to allow ….... back in the
meetings. One member said, “Who are we to exclude anyone? Our
program teaches us to be inclusive.””
Comment:
What is interesting about the above is not so much what it says
about the predator (he is what he is and must take responsibility for
his actions) but rather what it says about some members of AA.
Apparently it is acceptable (or tolerable) to the latter to allow
certain individuals to sexually exploit (and otherwise) newcomers to
the fellowship on the grounds that to bar them from meetings would
not be “inclusive”. Here the rights of the predator are to be
upheld but not those of their victims. One individual may prey upon
literally scores of newcomers, perhaps driving them away from the
fellowship and even condemning them to death, and apparently that's
OK so long as the perpetrator's sobriety is safeguarded! Well guess
what? It isn't OK! In fact it's an abdication of responsibility and
indication of moral bankruptcy. We would remind these members here of
AA guidelines (GB):
and
in particular:
“Failure
to challenge and stop inappropriate behaviour gives the offender
permission to repeat the offensive behaviour and encourages others to
follow suit”.
Bullying,
harassment, intimidation, sexual predation undoubtedly exist in AA,
an inevitable consequence perhaps of any social grouping. Inevitable
maybe but NOT to be either condoned or ignored. Within the cult
groups this kind of conduct is endemic, even systemic, and sanctioned
under the guise of 'strong sponsorship' or so-called 'tough love'.
The 'carrot and stick' approach with the 'twelve promises' dangled as
an incentive to the sponsee to comply coupled with numerous reminders
(sometimes explicit) that failure to accede to their sponsor's every
“suggestion” (ie. direction) will inevitably result in relapse
and perhaps death is a powerful combination to resist especially when
presented as the 'authentic' AA message to the vulnerable newcomer.
So how about the newcomer's rights! What happened to the concept of
a 'duty of care'? The General Service Office (York) can't do anything
about this problem nor can the General Service Conference. So guess
where the bucks stops! ….... You got it!
So
if you've got a bully/predator in your midst (and you're sure of your
facts) confront them (preferably in front of the group). Ask them to
account for their conduct. If they're unable to do so inform them of
the consequences if they continue. ie. banned from attending the
meeting. If they don't get the message go ahead and ban them. Inform
other groups and members of your decision. If it's a cult group where
such conduct is the norm then it's up to other groups in the area to
apply sanctions. Exclude the group from the local intergroup and
refuse to recognise them as an AA group - and then make sure to
publicise the fact remembering to notify any outside organisations
that may be in contact with them. Remember: Our first duty is to the
alcoholic who wants to stop drinking not to facilitate those who have
other motives for attending meetings – that's our primary purpose!
Over
to you,
The
Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
PS
Our thanks to the member who drew this essay to our attention
