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
For our main Safeguarding page, click here.
For further safeguarding information from the Southwark Diocese, please visit:
Diocese of Southwark - 'A Safe Church'