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The Denominations

New Safeguarding Handbook

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Help for survivors of abuse

When abuse is disclosed directly to the Interdenominational Safeguarding Panel or we become aware of abuse or harm, whether current or non-recent, we will to respond to victims and survivors in a sensitive and compassionate manner.  We will always take disclosures of abuse seriously and will never dismiss any concerns or cover up any abuse or alleged abuse. It is essential that the voice of the victim or survivor is listened to, heard and taken into account. 
Our response is likely to include an offer to assist the survivor or victim to access support and help if this is what the victim/ survivor wants to happen.
 
The church has a unique opportunity to offer sensitive, pastoral ministry and a supportive and caring environment to those who are affected by abuse.  
The Panel does not provide a specialised support service for survivors and we acknowledge that counselling or therapeutic work should always be left to those who are appropriately qualified.  Local churches should also respect this as problems can arise when boundaries are not respected and well-meaning but inexperienced individuals assume a "counselling" role. 
 
The following organisations have experience and training in offering support: 
 

Help & Support for Survivors and those who have suffered abuse

Replenished Life   is  a multi faith and inclusive support charity based in Wales offering support and inormation relating to abuse and trauma within faith inlcuding a support line for those who have experienced abuse and trauma in a religious context  https://www.replenished.life/
 

MACSAS - Ministry and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors  supports those who have been sexually abused as children or adults, by ministers, clergy or others under the guise of the Church. They support those who have remained whin their christian communiites or have left it. Freephone Helpline  08088 01 03 40  (Wednesday 7-9.30 or Saturdays 9-11am)  www.macsas.org.uk/

SURVIVORS VOICES: is an abuse survivor-led organisation that turns the pain of abuse into power to improve responses to trauma. They work with survivors of all types of abuse. They are all ‘experts by experience,’ a community of volunteers, freelancers, workers, and advisers from a variety of backgrounds. Our vision is for a safer society with support for survivors that is survivor-sensitive, survivor-empowering and services that are trauma-aware and trauma-competent. https://survivorsvoices.org/

THE SURVIVORS TRUST  The Survivors Trust (TST) is a UK-wide national umbrella agency for 130 specialist organisations for support for the impact of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse throughout the UK and Ireland. https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/

 NAPAC (National Association for People abused in Childhood)
Offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.
Support line, free from landlines and mobiles 0808 801 0331  (Mon-Thu10am-9pm  & Fri 10am-6pm) calls will not show on your bill   https://napac.org.uk/what-napac-does/

Stepping Stones is a registered charity providing therapeutic services to adults who have been sexually abused as children across North Wales https://steppingstonesnorthwales.co.uk/

 

Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence

Find your local service : Welsh Women's Aid (welshwomensaid.org.uk)

Support following a rape or sexual assault (HTML version) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Live Fear Free Helpline -  LIVE CHAT  9am - 9pm    24 hour advice and support: 0808 80 10 800   https://gov.wales/live-fear-free byw_heb_ofn.png

New Pathways Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Support Services in South Wales http://www.newpathways.org.uk/

Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre North Wales  www.rasawales.org.uk/  offering support to anyone in North Wales who has experienced Sexual Abuse or violence  Office: for referrals: 01248 670 628 | live fear free  Helpline: 0808 80 10 800 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   

Stepping Stones  is a registered charity providing therapeutic services across North Wales to adults who have been sexually abused as children.https://steppingstonesnorthwales.co.uk/

 RESTORED    https://www.restored-uk.org/about/  is a Christian charity working to raise awareness of domestic abuse, support survivors, and equip the church to do the same.

   UK 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline  0808 2000 247            https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/   

 

Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) is a police policy giving people the right to know if their current or ex-partner has any previous history of violence or abuse.