Domestic Abuse Policy

Parish of St Thomas with St Stephen Policy for Responding to Domestic Abuse. To download a printable copy, please click here.

We are committed to promoting and supporting environments which:

  • ensure that all people feel welcomed, respected and safe from

    abuse

  • protect those vulnerable to domestic abuse from actual or potential

    harm

  • recognise equality amongst people and within relationships

  • enable and encourage concerns to be raised and responded to

    openly and consistently.

We recognise that:

  • all forms of domestic abuse cause damage to the survivor and

  • express an imbalance of power in the relationship

  • all survivors (regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage,

    religious belief, sexual orientation or identity) have the right to equal

    protection from all types of harm or abuse

  • domestic abuse can occur in all communities

  • domestic abuse may be a single incident, but is usually a

    systematic, repeated pattern which escalates in severity and

    frequency

  • domestic abuse, if witnessed or overheard by a child, is a form of

    child abuse by the perpetrator of the abusive behaviour

  • working in partnership with children, adults and other agencies is

    essential in promoting the welfare of any child or adult suffering abuse.

We will endeavour to respond to domestic abuse by: In all our activities -

  • valuing, listening to and respecting both survivors and perpetrators of domestic abuse

In our publicity

  • raising awareness about other agencies, support services, resources and expertise, through providing information in public areas of relevance to survivors, children and perpetrators of domestic abuse

When concerns are raised

  • ensuring that those who have experienced abuse can find safety and informed help

  • working with the appropriate statutory bodies during aninvestigation into domestic abuse, including when allegations are made against a member of the church community

In our care

  • ensuring that informed and appropriate pastoral care is offered to

    any child, young person or adult who has suffered abuse.

  • identifying and outlining the appropriate relationship of those with

    pastoral care responsibilities with both survivors and perpetrators of domestic abuse.

We are committed to reviewing our policy and procedures annually.

Last Updated: June 2021