The Domestic Abuse Group of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has issued guidance on how Catholic parishes can support victims of domestic abuse.
The Office for National Statistics estimates that around 2 million adults in England and Wales, aged 16 and over, are victims of domestic abuse.
The guidance on this page signposts help and information about how parishes can raise awareness of the issue, including a list of helplines and information about how to get help safely. It also includes a step-by-step starter guide for how parishes can support their local domestic abuse services.
Bishop John Sherrington, who chairs the Domestic Abuse Group, said:
“Every person has a right to live their life free from violence, abuse, intimidation and fear. Catholic parishes can play an important role in fighting the scourge of domestic abuse. My thanks go to those organisations and individuals already working so hard to ensure that people suffering domestic abuse can live safe lives.
“Every local situation will differ and so our guidance offers practical means to tackle the issue in a safe and informed way. I hope that Catholics and parishes will be inspired to take this up in their local area.
“Violence of this kind should never be tolerated or justified. It is an offence against the dignity of the human person.”
Visit our page offering Domestic Abuse advice for parishes.
Every person has a right to live their life free from violence, abuse, intimidation and fear. Catholic parishes can play an important role in the fighting the scourge of domestic abuse.
Safe In Faith has released a signposting toolkit that provides resources to clergy, aiming to help Catholic parishes offer assistance to those fleeing domestic violence and abuse.
In this section you will find information about how to report domestic abuse or get help. If you are in immediate danger phone 999 and ask for the police.
Find out how you can help and support the domestic abuse charities and refuges in your area.
The National Board of Catholic Women (NBCW) has released a booklet that offers pastoral care and guidance to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the impact upon victims and their children.
