Victim and survivor support.

 

Support for Survivors

Our Safeguarding Office is a safe point of contact for survivors and victims of abuse within the Catholic Church. We support survivors who were abused when they were children and those who have been abused as adults. We recognise that speaking out about abuse may be very difficult and distressing and all calls will be dealt with professionally and with sensitivity.

What can you expect if you contact us

  • Any of our safeguarding team will give you space to share your story and time to talk at your own pace.
  • It is up to you what and how much you share depending on what you are comfortable with.
  • They will listen in a way that is non-judgemental and built on a foundation of respect for you and how you feel.
  • They may ask you some questions but this is only so they can better understand your experiences.
  • They will talk with you about different support options available.
  • They will let you know what will happen next and arrange a time to contact you again to give you feedback or an update. 
  • They will talk with you about different support options available.
  • They will let you know what will happen next and arrange a time to contact you again to give you feedback or an update.

We refer all disclosures of abuse to statutory agencies (Police, Children’s Services and / or Adults’ Services) in line with the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency guidelines. We do this to protect other children and adults from harm. Even if you were abused a long time ago, your abuser may still be working with children or adults, and we want to make sure they are not at risk.

We are aware that talking to someone who works for the Diocese of Menevia about abuse you experienced within the church may feel daunting or you may not feel that you can trust us.

Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church of England and Wales or the Church in Wales.

Safe Spaces Services will be available on 0300 303 1056.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9am-1pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm (excluding bank holidays).

Find out more at Safe Spaces England and Wales – Safe Spaces England and Wales