Caring for Survivors of Abuse
Listening to and Caring for People Who Have Suffered AbuseThe Church is committed to caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons and to continuing to learn how to respond in a supportive and healing way to the needs of those who have suffered abuse. Those who have suffered abuse within the Church will receive a compassionate response, be listened to and be taken seriously. + Care of Adult Survivors of Abuse in the Church Safe SpacesSafe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. This could be abuse by someone who holds any role at the church or is linked to participating in a church-led activity or group. Although the churches have funded the service, it is run independently by the charity Victim Support, who are one of the leading charities providing specialist support to survivors of abuse in England and Wales. If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in immediate danger Tel: 0300 303 1056 Email: safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk Website: https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/ including a link to a live chat service Parish churches can dowload leaflets to promote Safe Spaces here Survivors VoicesThe Church of England National Safeguarding Team has worked with Survivors Voices to consult survivors on how to improve practice in responding well to survivors of abuse. Download the published report here Past Cases ReviewThe Church of England is currently conducting a review of all past safeguarding case files. Any individuals who wish to contribute to this review or who need to come forward with information or disclosures regarding Church of England related abuse are encouraged to contact the Bishop’s Safeguarding Adviser (T: 07342 993844. To email, please click here). Contact details for other Dioceses are available here. However, recognising that this may not feel safe for those with a lived experience of abuse from within the church, an independent, dedicated telephone helpline - 0800 80 20 20 - operated by the NSPCC - has been set up. Anyone can use this helpline to provide information, to raise concerns or contribute to the review or contact other survivor support services including diocesan safeguarding teams Further information about the review is on The Church of England website |
