The Diocese of Durham aims to provide caring, practical and helpful support for all victims and survivors.
We recognise that reporting abuse may be very difficult and distressing.
Durham 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 please click on the links below.
I do not want to make contact with the Diocese of Durham
All of this information is also available to download in the Support for Victims and Survivors leaflet.
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.
Responding to Victims and Survivors of Abuse
The Diocese is committed to continuing to learn how to respond in supportive and healing ways to the needs of those who have experienced abuse in line with Church of England policy.
We share the following videos, which have been co-produced with victims and survivors of abuse, as a resource for all.
Overview: provides an introduction for all
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Recognising and Disclosing Abuse and Support Options : designed for victims and survivors of abuse and provide information on how to report abuse within the Church of England and the support options available to victims and survivors of church-related abuse
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Receiving a Disclosure of Abuse: is addressed to all members of the Church who may witness abuse or receive disclosures of abuse, providing advice on how to respond well.
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