A new service providing vital support for survivors of church-related abuse was launched this week.
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, the Catholic Church of England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
You can contact the Safe Spaces team by:-
Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
Email: safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk
Safe Spaces comprises a team of trained support advocates, who have undergone specialist training in supporting survivors of sexual violence and who have received additional specific training in how the churches respond to abuse cases, the way in which faith and church-related settings have been used to carry out abuse, and the particular issues affecting people who have had or still have, a relationship with the church.
The service is for those who may have experienced any form abuse, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse, psychological abuse (including spiritual abuse), domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour.
The dedicated Safe Spaces team are available through the helpline and live chat service on:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10am-6pm
Thursday: 12pm-8pm.
A member of the Safe Spaces team will make contact within 48 hours (72 hours on weekends) of making a referral.
The service will run for an initial two years, with a view to extending this. It has been paid for by the Catholic and Anglican churches involved, supported by a grant from Allchurches Trust.
Find out more on www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.