The Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse is observed on Tuesday 30th April 2024. It is always marked on the Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter in England and Wales. This year’s focus is on communities who have been directly affected by allegations or convictions related to abuse – especially, but not exclusively, within the Church.
“Loving Father, one who is Healer, we ask for your mercy for the times we have drastically failed in showing love, respect, and dignity towards others, especially the most vulnerable of society. We pray for all victims of abuse, for failing to be attentive in listening and accompaniment. Be always their refuge and strength. Give us the grace to bring healing to the broken hearted, to show love and respect to all people. Give us the wisdom to know what to say and how to act in times of great injustice. Give us the courage to speak out against all forms of abuse. Bring your healing love and protection upon all those who are in hurt. We ask through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.”
The Church not only expresses her heartfelt sorrow and her apologies to anyone who has suffered abuse within her domain but wishes to do all she can to help and to assist with healing. As a Diocese, we are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the life and ministry of the church. Safeguarding is a leadership priority and a responsibility that rests with us all. Through ministry, we seek to embed a culture where all those within our parishes and church communities are safe from harm and abuse.
We ensure that all concerns of a safeguarding nature are responded to promptly. Our approach is one of zero tolerance; where an allegation of abuse is made against those working in the name of the church, regardless of whether the allegation relates to their behaviour in their role within the Church or another setting, we will report this to the statutory authorities. This includes allegations where the identified perpetrator is deceased.
If you have been impacted by abuse, there are organisations that can provide support, advice and guidance.
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 can be contacted on 0300 303 1056.
Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors (MACSAS)
MACSAS supports those who have been sexually abused, as children or adults, by ministers, clergy or others under the guise of the Church. MACSAS can be contacted on 08088 01 03 40.
Healing the wounds of abuse. Grief to Grace is a UK charity supporting victims and survivors of abuse perpetrated by members of clergy. Grief to Grace can be contacted on 020 8154 2719.
For more information about safeguarding within the Diocese, please visit Safeguarding
