Elders are instructed to investigate every allegation of child sexual abuse, questioning the victim if necessary, and to do what they reasonably can to help parents to protect their children from further abuse. Elders are also instructed that they are only "spiritual shepherds" whose aim should be to provide spiritual assistance and encouragement to victims of child sexual abuse and their families, without taking on a role similar to that of a mental health professional or therapist. A Watch Tower Society representative testified that the organization does not consider itself responsible for the "physical protection" of children in the community.