We aim to provide caring, practical and helpful support for all victims and survivors
Our support for survivors and victims
Reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing. Liverpool Diocese aims to deal with any contact made by a survivor/victim of abuse in a church-related context with empathy and integrity. If you need help and support then the information on these pages can help.
Safe Spaces
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, Church in Wales or the Catholic Church of England and Wales.
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 of abuse, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse, psychological abuse (including spiritual abuse), domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour.
Find out how to access support here: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Finding support
Contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team:
Andy Holmes, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
tel: 07940 378139 or email: andy.holmes@liverpool.anglican.org
Michael Murphy, Deputy Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
tel:07376 431466 or email: michael.murphy@liverpool.anglican.org
Karen Williams, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser tel: 07946 189061 Email: karen.williams@liverpool.anglican.org
The Safeguarding Team are not available 24 hours a day. Therefore here are the contact details of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 ((lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 ( freephone Monday to Friday 9-5 pm)
Sexual Violence Support Website: Find Specialist Support in The North West - Sexual Violence Support
Finding an Authorised Listener
We have specially trained Listeners available to support those who have been affected by abuse in a church context. When we are supporting someone who comes forward with a report of abuse we will usually offer them access to an Authorised Listener.
To find out more or to request a listener contact:-
Andy Holmes, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser
tel: 07940 378139 or email: andy.holmes@liverpool.anglican.org
Responding Well to Victims and Survivors of Abuse Guidance
This guidance was issued by the Church of England in September 2021, you can find details of the guidance using this link: Responding Well to Victims and Survivors of Abuse