The Archdiocese of Liverpool asks anybody who has been harmed by abuse within the Catholic Church, whether recent or historic, to get in touch with our safeguarding team.It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to the relevant authorities.
The Archdiocese of Liverpool recognises the impact of abuse on both individuals and their families. We also accept the findings of IICSA (The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse) and Elliot report that encourage transparency and openness.
We want to continue to learn and develop our safeguarding work, by working closely with survivors of abuse and listening to their experiences.
The Archdiocese of Liverpool understands that some people may not report abuse at the time, particularly if the abuse happened while they were a child.
We encourage anybody with an allegation or concern which involves a person from the Catholic Church, to talk to our safeguarding team. All communications will be handled sensitively and considerably.
If you wish to report a concern, or just make an enquiry, then contact our safeguarding team on 0151 522 1013 or safeguarding@rcaol.org.uk
As part of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency’s (CSSA) ongoing focus on survivor engagement and support, they have created a public survey inviting survivors to contribute their experiences. The purpose of this public call is to gather information from anyone who has had recent contact with a Diocese or a Religious Life Group. This includes experiences that are new or ongoing, as well as those connected to non-recent abuse.
The direct link to the survey is: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=SSQzRY2fT0OpJmB_Xy63KLBEXoG2tlVAm_9UYqKjMSFUOTc5TzlLTEdTWkUySjhaTlU0QURaOU05SC4u
The Jesuit Institute is offering this week of guided prayer for those who have been affected by Clergy Abuse. Whether you have been affected directly or indirectly by this issue, we invite you to explore your relationship with God as it is in your life just now.
During the week, we will invite you to commit to 30 minutes of personal prayer each day and up to 45 minutes to speak about your experience in prayer with a spiritual director online at a time that suits you. There will be an experienced team of spiritual directors working on this retreat, both priests and lay people, men and women.
There is no charge for this retreat.
Sign up here: An Online Week of Guided Prayer for those affected by Clergy Abuse in the Church - Retreats
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 or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. Although the churches have funded the service, Safe Spaces is run independently by the charity Victim Support, who are one of the leading charities providing specialist support to survivors of abuse in 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.
This may have been in relation to the Church of England, Catholic Church in England and Wales, or the Church in Wales. By ‘church related’, this may include:
- Abuse by a church officer. A church officer is any person, ordained or lay, paid or voluntary, who holds a role in the church.
- Abuse that is linked to participating in a church-led activity or group.
If someone lives outside of England and Wales, but suffered abuse by a Church Officer from the Church of England, Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales, Victim Support will endeavour to provide support. It is for people aged 18 or over, but the abuse can have happened at any time in the past. If support is required for someone younger, Victim Support will endeavour to find appropriate local support.
Survivors do not have to have reported the incident to the Church authorities or the Police in order to access support. You do not need to be a current active member of the church in order to access support. It is for people who’ve experienced any kind of abuse – this includes (but is not limited to) sexual violence, inappropriate sexual behaviour, physical abuse, financial abuse or exploitation, psychological abuse (including spiritual abuse), domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour.Our dedicated Safe Spaces team are available through our helpline and live chat service between Monday–Saturday 10am-6pm, apart from Thursdays when the service is open 12-8pm.
This booklet contains personal experiences and reflections and calls for continued transparency, justice, and survivor-centred care. The author identifies how clerical abuse leaves lasting scars on survivors, erodes faith, and exposes systemic failures within religious hierarchies. It also details how understanding the past helps us protect the future. The Empty Chair is a testament to the resilience of survivors and a call to conscience.
Answerphone is available outside of opening times.
01788 550554 | www.thesurvivorstrust.org
Specialising in working with survivors of childhood sexual violence. Offers long-term one to one therapy.
020 8697 2112 | admin@oneinfour.org.uk | www.oneinfour.org.uk
Phone lines open Mon – Fri 9:00 - 21:00 Sat 10:00 – 1500
020 7937 4297 | www.grieftograceuk.org
0800 085 3330 or 0808 801 0331 | www.napac.org.uk
Check website for opening times.
Cheshire East
01260 697900
Cheshire West & Chester
01244 907710
Halton
01928 477980
Knowsley
0151 218 7960
St. Helens
01744 877987
Warrington
01925 221546
www.rapecentre.org.uk
0161 817 2260 | www.medaille-trust.org.uk
BBC Action Line has comprehensive information and support including phone numbers for specialist support agencies for a range of areas below.
Addiction
Adoption and Fostering
Bereavement
Bullying
Cancer
Carers
Debt
Dementia
Domestic abuse
Eating disorders
Elder abuse
Emotional distress / suicide
Forced marriage and honour violence
Mental health
Parenting
Pregnancy related issues
Self harm
Sexual abuse and violence
NCSC Hurt By Abuse Leaflet
NSCS Respond, Listen, Support Leaflet
Every year, the Archdiocese of Liverpool celebrates Safeguarding Sunday. This year, it falls on Sunday 15 November and the theme is “Love Protects.”More information and resources can be found below.
