Our aim is to provide compassionate, practical and supportive help to anyone who has lived experience of abuse and may identify themselves as a victim or survivor.
We recognise how difficult and distressing it can be to reach out, we recognise this may be the first time you have made a disclosure. The below provides information and options of support to help find the right way forward for you.
If you wish to contact our diocesan safeguarding team
safeguarding@coventry.anglican.org
024 7652 1345
Our assistant diocesan safeguarding advisers and diocesan safeguarding officer will be able to support in the following ways;
- To provide advice and guidance if you wish to report abuse, whether it is currently happening or happened in the past
- To arrange for spiritual or pastoral support
- To arrange counselling
- To explore options if you are seeking an apology
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.
If you prefer to seek support outside of the diocese
Safe Spaces
0300 303 1056
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, 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 in England and Wales or the Church of Wales.
The service is open to anyone over 18.
MACSAS
Supports women and men who have been sexually abused, as children or adults, by ministers, clergy or others under the guise of the Church.
Survivor Voices
Offers peer support through on-line and in person groups, national gatherings and special events.
You may wish to visit the House of Survivors website, published by two members of the Survivor Reference Group who are Survivors of Church of England based abuse. Its purpose is to provide helpful information for fellow Church abused survivors in various aspects of understanding or interaction with the Church and/or its representatives
Other support links
Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre
Rape or Sexual Abuse Support (RoSA) – Warwickshire