Sexual predators in AA (“13 Stepping”)

Apart from some minor factual inaccuracies we think this video should not be dismissed by AA members simply as an expression of 'resentment' on the part of a few disenchanted members but rather an issue which needs to be taken a great deal more seriously by all of us. We were particularly interested in the comments of an ex-AA world board member (Jim B) regarding the much misquoted Tradition Four ie. each group is autonomous, which seems to be employed to justify inaction on the part of the fellowship at virtually every service level. What the Tradition actually says is: 

“Four—Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.” (short form) 

“4.—With respect to its own affairs, each A.A. group should be responsible to no other authority than its own conscience. But when its plans concern the welfare of neighboring groups also, those groups ought to be consulted. And no group, regional committee, or individual should ever take any action that might greatly affect A.A. as a whole without conferring with the trustees of the General Service Board. On such issues our common welfare is paramount.”

(our emphases) 

In other words this tradition may not be employed to exempt AA groups or the General Service board from their responsibility to ensure our 'common welfare' (which includes direct intervention where necessary to prevent such abuses occurring). Where the abuse is of a criminal nature the relevant authorities need to be notified and full co-operation extended to the police in assisting them with their enquiries. Failure to do so in Great Britain at least constitutes an offence. The defence of anonymity may not be used to hide the identity of the perpetrator. Similarly there exists legal redress with regard to stalking and harassment Harassment may include: “repeated attempts to impose unwanted communications and contacts upon a victim in a manner that could be expected to cause distress or fear in any reasonable person”. (Thus, for example, a particularly intrusive sponsor who repeatedly seeks to impose their will upon a sponsee can be warned that their behaviour may fall into this category and be advised accordingly). AA guidelines on abusive conduct should be prominently displayed at all meetings and where necessary read out periodically to ensure that every member of the group is made aware of these and their own responsibilities (Personal Conduct Matters (Guidelines for Alcoholics Anonymous in Great Britain: No. 17). Where an individual has been identified as constituting a menace (on the basis of reliable information and not mere gossip) they should be advised their conduct will no longer be tolerated. If they fail to take heed a group is entirely within its rights to ban them from their meeting and to notify other groups in the area accordingly. Abusers need to understand that they must take full responsibility for their own conduct and thereafter bear the consequences of their actions. Not only must AA meetings be a safe place to share - they must also be a safe place to meet. 

Cheers 

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)