Responding to Domestic Abuse

Parish of Christ Church Hillsborough & Wadsley Bridge

Policy for Responding to Domestic Abuse

 

All forms of domestic abuse are wrong and must stop. 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 appropriately 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 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 alleged or known perpetrators of domestic abuse.

 

In our publicity –

  • raising awareness about other agencies, support services, resources and expertise, through providing information in public and private (men-only and women-only) areas of relevance to survivors, children and alleged or known 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 an investigation 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 alleged or known perpetrators of domestic abuse.

 

Anyone requiring emergency support can seek support from the Police on 999 or 101 for advice. 101 is the number to use for making a domestic abuse disclosure.

Other services and also offer a level of emergency support (e.g. access to refuge)

  • Sheffield Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 8082241
  • Rotherham Rise – 0330 2020571
  • Barnsley Domestic Abuse Helpline – 03000 110 110

 

National numbers

  • National helpline number for women who are victims: The National Women’s Aid Helpline 0808 2000 247
  • National helpline number for men who are victims: Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or email info@mensadviceline.org.uk
  • Anyone concerned about their own behaviour can be advised to phone the national Respect Helpline 0808 024 040, or local support may be available through Inspire to Change 0114 256 7270

 

For further information visit http://www.sheffielddirectory.org.uk/ and search for Domestic Abuse.

This information is provided by the Sheffield Diocese Safeguarding Team and is up to date as of 18.04.19.

This statement was adopted by Christ Church Hillsborough & Wadsley Bridge PCC on 14th October 2019.