The Church of England has published data taken from the diocesan safeguarding returns for 2021. The data helps the church identify significant or emerging issues to enable them to plan strategically at a local and national level. It is also part of our desire to be open and transparent.
It relates to all concerns and allegations reported to safeguarding teams. These will all be taken seriously but do not necessarily result in actual cases. Some, but not all of the allegations are about clergy or church officers as the church seeks to be a safe place for people who have experienced abuse to disclose that abuse.
While the data is not broken down to individual dioceses you can see information for across the Church of England on the nature of the concerns and allegations reported.
Over the three-year period the overall number of concerns and allegations reported relating to both children and adults was reasonably similar: 2,420 in 2019, 2,245 in 2020 and 2,385 in 2021. On average just over a third related to Church Officers (which include clergy). Concerns and allegations regarding adults have increased with a reduction in the number relating to children.
Types of abuse are also analysed with a clear increase in reports of domestic abuse and a greater awareness of spiritual abuse. Referrals to statutory authorities and direct actions by the Church are also looked at.
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, Andy Holmes said “this data is welcome as it shows the importance of good safeguarding practice. In Liverpool, we are committed to making all our churches a safe place for all and encourage every church, every congregation, and every individual to make sure they keep following best practice.”
For more information about safeguarding in the Diocese of Liverpool and to contact our team go to www.liverpool.anglican.org/safeguarding