Victims and Survivors

Safeguarding in the Diocese in Europe

Victims and Survivors

Safeguarding
Guidelines
An oak tree between two hills

Victims and survivors have a unique perspective which can inform us about what, how, and when we make changes and improvements that keep everyone safe in the Church. The Diocese in Europe welcomes contributions and reflections to improving the services we provide in this area. Contact us by emailing europe.safeguarding@churchofengland.org. 

The Church of England has committed to survivor engagement and participation. See the full framework here.

 

National Survivor Participation Framework
 

Support

 

Firstlight Safe Spaces

If you have been affected by any kind of abuse, bullying or other safeguarding issues, no matter how long ago, Firstlight 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.

Firstlight Safe Spaces is a free support service for victims and survivors of church-related abuse. The organisation offers a confidential, personal, and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, The Church in Wales or The Catholic Church in England and Wales, regardless of disability, age, gender or sexual orientation.

Their services are available on 0300 303 1056 or via their website. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9 am to 9 pm, Saturday 9 am to 1 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm UK time.

 

Participation Group

 

Eden Voice

The Diocese in Europe believe that victims and survivors of trauma, abuse and harm are not just service users - they are inspiring voices and thoughtful changemakers. The diocese, in partnership with Eden Voice, aims to be a supportive and confidential safe space. It ensures that victims and survivors are heard and their views shared.

Eden Voice was created in 2023 to advise the diocese on the views of victims and survivors, which is central to the work we do in Safeguarding across our diocese.

Survivors and victims of abuse often lack support as they navigate systems to find justice and reparation. We want to ensure that the voices of victims and survivors are integral to the work we do in all our chaplaincies.

Eden Voice works to: 

  • provide a victims/survivors' voice into the Diocesan Safeguarding Team
  • promote the establishment of support persons throughout the Diocese (in every chaplaincy)
  • provide information to all chaplaincies in the Diocese about the process to gain support
  • establish a process by which this support system may be accessed with ease.

If you are interested in joining Eden Voice, email us:

europe.safeguarding@churchofengland.org

 

Diocese in Europe Victim & Survivor Charter

Endorsed by 🌿Eden Voice Victims and Survivors Participation Group

✅ We (DinE) Will
•    Cultivate a culture of kindness, respect, and non-judgmental behaviour.
•    Treat survivors as experts in their own experiences.
•    Create space where their insights guide decision-making.
•    Always ask before diving into sensitive topics.
•    Allow participants to pass, step away, or disengage at any time.
•    Avoid re-traumatising content or triggering scenarios without preparation.
•    Recognise that survivors’ time and expertise are valuable.
•    Clearly explain how the input will be utilised, what decisions it will inform, and any limitations associated with Eden Voice.
•    Be gentle in our language, slow in our pace, and flexible in our expectations.
•    Utilise facilitators who are trained in trauma-informed practices.
•    Deliver, if we promise action.
•    Share outcomes and how survivor input made an impact.
•    Offer multiple ways to contribute anonymously, including writing, group contributions, one-on-one interactions, and more.
•    Recognise that survivor experiences are diverse; no single perspective can represent all.  
•    Acknowledge that strong emotions may surface - acknowledge them rather than suppressing them.      
•    Be honest about what is and isn’t within our power to change.  
•    Consider physical, sensory, emotional, and technological accessibility at every step.
•    Offer resources or support after the meeting, especially following intense discussions.  

🚫 We (DinE) Won’t
•    Treat survivors as a “tick-box" exercise. Their role should be meaningful and influential.
•    Expert survivors to perform trauma narratives. Their value is not dependent on disclosure.
•    Use academic or legal terms that alienate or confuse. Rather, we will speak plainly and clearly.
•    Make the participation group about protecting systems.
 

Download a pdf version
 

Breaking the silence of sexual abuse – Ann’s story

Warning: This video and story contains details of sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, coercion and abortion, which some people may find distressing.

When Ann was a young woman in her early 20s, she experienced horrifying abuse at the hands of a Church of England priest in Gloucester.

Now in her 80s, she has felt able to come forward to share the story of what happened to her, seeking to empower other victims and survivors to speak out.

She said, “If my story enables even just one person of any gender to consider moving out of that dark place they are in, I shall feel it worth my painful journey to arrive here and share.”

Get support: If you have been affected by any of the the issues that Ann shares, and would like to speak to a member of our Safeguarding Team please get in touch.