A new service providing vital support for survivors of church-related abuse has become operational.
Safe Spaces, commissioned by the Anglican and Catholic Churches in England and Wales, will be run by Victim Support, a national charity with a track record of providing survivor support.
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, the Catholic Church of England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
Welcoming the service, the Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner says: “Safe Spaces is for anyone who has experienced church-related abuse of any form in England or Wales. Too often, we have failed in our response to survivors of abuse in the past and it is right that we do all that we can to support victims and survivors now and in the future. I wholeheartedly welcome this vital service.”
The service comprises a team of trained support advocates, who have undergone specialist training in supporting survivors of sexual violence. They have received specific training in how the churches respond to abuse cases, the way in which faith and church-related settings have been used to carry out abuse, and the particular issues affecting people who have had or still have, a relationship with the church.
The service is for those who may have experienced any form of abuse, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse, psychological abuse (including spiritual abuse), domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour.
The Bishop of Southampton, Debbie Sellin, Deputy Lead Safeguarding Bishop for the Church of England, said: “I’m delighted that this service will shortly be available to offer support and advice to survivors of abuse.
“I want to express my thanks to all those who have helped to bring the project together, particularly the survivors who have given of their time and energy.
“In Victim Support, we have an excellent operational lead, and we look forward to continuing a constructive partnership with them as well as the other denominations involved.
“I commend the service for use and hope colleagues will do all they can to promote it locally.”
A dedicated Safe Spaces team are available through the helpline 0300 303 1056 and live chat service between Monday–Saturday 10am-6pm, apart from Thursdays when the service is open 12-8pm.
For more information, visit: www.SafeSpacesEnglandandWales.org.uk