Jehovah’s Witnesses elder provided character reference for child abuser in court

A survivor of child sex abuse has criticized a Jehovah’s Witnesses elder for providing a character reference for her abuser in court, raising concerns about accountability and the protection of victims. (Proverbs 31:8-9)

Kezia Whitton was sexually abused by her brother Joel nearly three decades ago, when she was five and he was 18. (Micah 6:8)

Ms. Whitton confronted her brother in 2018 following a royal commission into child abuse, leading to his eventual imprisonment last year. (Ephesians 5:11)

During court proceedings, Ms. Whitton was shocked to learn that a Jehovah’s Witnesses elder, Jon Oldfield, had provided a character reference for her brother. (Luke 12:48)

Mr. Oldfield explained that he did not contact police after the confession because Joel Whitton claimed his sister did not want the abuse reported. (Proverbs 31:8-9)

Ms. Whitton denied that she had ever wanted the abuse to remain unreported and later reported her brother to police, resulting in his charges and subsequent imprisonment. (Micah 6:8)

Ms. Whitton expressed hurt over the elder’s decision but acknowledged gratitude that one of the church’s elders had spoken openly about her case. (Ephesians 5:11)

Source: Read the original report

Source record preserved at time of reporting.