Victims and Survivors

Listening to and Caring for People Who Have Experienced Abuse

If you have lived experience of abuse, you matter, and you will be listened to. Anyone who has experienced abuse within the Church should receive a compassionate response, be listened to, and be taken seriously.

The Church is committed to offering compassionate, respectful, and trauma-informed pastoral care to people who have experienced abuse, as well as to others who have been affected. We recognise that the Church has not always responded well in the past, and we are committed to learning, accountability, and doing better. We also recognise the deep impact abuse can have and continue to learn how to respond in ways that are supportive, respectful, and healing.

Our Survivor Care Strategy can be found here.

Accessing support in the Church of England

‘If I Told You, What Would You Do…?’

... is a suite of accessible materials and resources, including a series of seven videos, to support those with lived experience of abuse in a church context, as well as with those who need to see, hear and respond well to them - families, friends, church members. The resources can be accessed here.

Responding Well

If you are a victim or survivor of church-based abuse, or if you are concerned that someone is experiencing or has experienced abuse in a church setting, this guide will help you understand what support you can expect from the Church. This resource summarises the "Responding Well to Victims and Survivors of Abuse" guidance, available on The Church of England website.

Interim Support Scheme

The Church of England Interim Support Scheme - offers immediate and urgent support to victims and survivors whose life circumstances are significantly affected by the abuse suffered.

Redress Scheme

The Church of England has approved a comprehensive Redress Scheme - for survivors of Church-related abuse. While the scheme is not yet open for applications, it is expected to launch soon following parliamentary approval. Eligible applicants will be able to access financial redress, therapeutic, spiritual and emotional support, an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, an apology, and other tailored forms of redress. The scheme is designed to help victims and survivors move towards rebuilding their lives.

Accessing support from partners and relevant organisations

Safe Spaces

We recognise that many victims and survivors may not wish to contact church representatives directly. Below are a number of ways in which support can be accessed from outside of the church.

Safe 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 First Light.

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. The helpline is open Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm and Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Website: https://www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/

Additional Support Services

We recognise that many victims and survivors may not wish to contact church representatives directly. Below are a number of ways in which support can be accessed from outside of the church.

Additional support services for those with lived experience of abuse can be accessed here.

Working Together, If and When You Choose

We recognise and value the insight and understanding that people with lived experience bring. Many survivors are experts by experience, and their perspectives can help shape safer cultures, more compassionate responses, and meaningful change. We also recognise that sharing experiences or contributing to safeguarding work can come at a personal cost.

For those who choose to do so, there may be opportunities to work together — for example, by contributing to discussions, resources, or learning activities — in ways that feel safe, respectful, and appropriate. Any involvement is entirely optional and can be as much or as little as you choose, at any time. We are committed to a trauma-informed, collaborative approach that respects your boundaries, wellbeing, and pace.

Please contact us on safeguardingsupport@cofebirmingham.com if you would consider working together.