Section 3: Summary of support for victims and survivors of Church-based abuse
3.1 The table below summarises the support that Church Bodies must offer to all people who report abuse by a Church Officer or disclose that they have experienced abuse in a church-setting.
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Type of support |
Responsibility |
Eligibility
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Locally arranged
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Therapeutic support to meet emotional and psychological needs in the immediate and medium-term period following a disclosure. |
The DSA or CSA is responsible for coordinating the provision of support, working with the Relevant Church Body and any other Church Bodies.
Where a Relevant Church Body has chosen to coordinate the provision of support themselves, this should be done by their Safeguarding Lead.
Where the NST is required to be informed, the arrangements for the provision of support for the victim and survivor will be coordinated as agreed by the NST with the Relevant Church Body and other Church Bodies involved.
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All people who disclose Church-based abuse.
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Support Person
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The DSA or CSA is responsible for facilitating the introduction of the victim or survivor to a Support Person. This also applies where a Relevant Church Body is co-ordinating the provision - the DSA will work with them to provide a Support Person for the victim or survivor to meet their needs.
The DSA is responsible for establishing and supporting a pool of Support Persons within the diocese and/or cathedral. |
All people who disclose Church-based abuse.
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Spiritual and pastoral support |
The DSA or CSA is responsible for organising spiritual and pastoral support for victims and survivors, working with the Relevant Church Body and any Other Church Bodies, if required.
Where a Relevant Church Body has chosen to arrange this themselves, it should be undertaken by its Safeguarding Lead.
Where allegations are managed by the NST, arrangements for the co-ordination of the provision of support for the victim or survivor will be as agreed by the NST with the Relevant Church Bodies and Other Church Bodies involved.
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All people who disclose Church-based abuse.
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Apology |
The most senior leader of the Relevant Church Body (bishop, cathedral dean, religious community leader) is responsible for overseeing this work.
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See Section 4.5.1.
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Centrally arranged
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This is provided by Victim Support through central Church funding.
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All people who disclose Church-based abuse.
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Interim Support Scheme |
Central Church funding |
This is intended as short-term assistance for eligible victims and survivors with urgent needs. |
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Redress Scheme |
Central Church funding |
This is being developed – further information will be provided by the Church of England when available.
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