Ensuring that victims and survivors who disclose abuse within the Church of England receive appropriate support is a central pillar of the Church’s approach to safeguarding. The response and support that victims and survivors can expect from the Church is outlined in the House of Bishops’ guidance “Responding Well to Victims and Survivors of Abuse”. The guidance came into effect in April 2022 and introduced a set of minimum requirements regarding the provision of support to victims and survivors of church-based abuse in the Church of England. It covers different types of support, including: therapeutic support, emotional and practical support from Support Persons, pastoral and spiritual support, and apologies.

An easy-read summary of the guidance is now available on the Church of England website here. The summary was co-produced with victims, survivors and safeguarding professionals from dioceses, cathedrals and parishes.

An editable version of the summary is available here. Dioceses can download this version and tailor it to their local circumstances for use. Please note that by downloading this content from the Church of England website, dioceses and any other user are agreeing to comply with the website terms and conditions, which state the parameters of the acceptable use policy.

Bishop of Birkenhead and Deputy Lead Bishop for Safeguarding, Julie Conalty said: “We are committed to better supporting and responding to survivors and victims. I am hugely grateful to those who helped prepare this summary, which will hopefully make the content of the ‘Responding Well…’ guidance, and the commitments that we state in that guidance, more accessible. We want the information in the guidance to reach anyone who needs it.”