Reporting Abuse

How to report abuse

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in immediate danger.

It is the policy of the Catholic Church in England and Wales to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.

If you are in any role within the Catholic Church in England and Wales, you must refer allegations directly to the safeguarding office for your diocese or religious congregation, or directly to the Police.

If you are a member of the public, please refer allegations directly to the police and also to the safeguarding office in your diocese; (the relevant Diocesan safeguarding office can be located using the interactive map on the links page of this website – contact details will be shown when you click on the relevant area of the map). You can also contact Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency by telephoning 0207 901 1920 or via email – please click here.

 

How to report a concern

When a Safeguarding allegation or concern is raised- such as an allegation of harm of a child or adult at risk by a member of clergy / religious / church personnel/ volunteer, please contact the Safeguarding Coordinator within 24 hours or as soon as reasonably practicable. For urgent matters where there is a risk of immediate or serious harm, contact the police and/or local social services. In the event of an emergency call 999, for less urgent contact with the police call 101. A follow up report should be made to the Safeguarding Coordinator within 24 hours. The form CM1 can be used for this purpose. Click here to download the CM1 Referral Form

Responding to disclosures.

Never promise to keep the information a secret. Do not promise confidentiality, instead explain that you will need to pass the information to professionals who are able to help.

Listen

• Carefully, reassuringly, without judgement or asking leading questions.
• Refrain from asking probing questions.
• It may be difficult for someone to disclose—be patient and go at their pace.

Record 

• Make a record as soon as possible of all the details which have been given to you, using their (Referral Form CM1)

Refer

• Immediate danger? Report without delay to the Police, or Children’s / Adults Services.
• At the first possible opportunity, report the matter to the Diocese Safeguarding Coordinator (see Quick Guide Flowchart- Responding to Allegations).
• Where the concern involves a child, we have a duty of care but also a legal obligation to refer the matter.

Do not contact the suspected perpetrator of abuse without the advice of the Safeguarding Coordinator, Police or Social Services.

Click here to download a Quick Guide Flowchart responding to allegations