Survivor Care and Support

by sfutch — last modified 24 Mar, 2022 05:01 PM

If you are looking through this page it might be because something has happened to you, you are struggling and looking for support, or because you want to help someone close to you. Seeking support when you are struggling or thinking about speaking out about any kind of abuse, can often raise all kinds of emotions.

There may be many reasons why you have not spoken out before. It can feel overwhelming and frightening, but it can also be the first step towards support, healing, and recovery. You are not to blame for what happened to you.

You will be heard, be supported and have your concerns taken seriously no matter how recent or long ago and regardless of where the abuse took place. It is your choice who you share your experience with. Within your local church or Parish you may wish to speak to your Parish Safeguarding Officer or a member of the clergy. You may choose instead to contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor, or one of the organisations listed below.

The Safeguarding Team work alongside an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) called Nina Tanner. Nina works for a Domestic Abuse charity called Splitz and is commissioned for one day a week by Salisbury Diocese.

Nina offers support and signposting to anyone who has experienced any form of abuse within a church context whether that abuse took place recently or in the past.

Nina’s role is separate from the Diocese so she will not share client information with the Safeguarding Team unless the client consents to this. Nina can be contacted directly (nina.tanner@salisbury.anglican.org or nina.tanner@splitz.org, 07825 741751), or contact can be made via the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisors.

The Diocese of Salisbury supports national policy from the Church of England including following the practice guidance Responding Well to victims and survivors of abuse.

	Safe Spaces - A free and independent support service providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, the Catholic Church of England and Wales or the Church in Wales. They offer a helpline, a live web chat and website.
	The Survivors Trust - The largest umbrella agency for specialist sexual violence support services in Europe. They support survivors of any age who have experienced all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation to access information, advice, support and therapy.
	MACSAS - Standing for Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors, this charity supports women and men from Christian backgrounds who have been sexually abused by Ministers or Clergy, as children or as adults. They offer support in a number of ways including a helpline.
	NAPAC – The National Association for People Abused in Childhood support adults who have suffered any type of abuse in childhood. They have a national free helpline and other support.
	Respond – Respond seek to support people with learning disabilities, autism or both who have experienced trauma in their lives through psychotherapy, advocacy, campaigning and other support.
	Life Signs – A user-led service offering support for those who self-harm.
	ManKind Initiative – a charity offering support for men who have suffered sexual or domestic abuse in the form of a help line, information and guidance.
	GALOP – Galop provides confidential and independent advice and support for LGBT+ people who have experienced sexual assault, abuse or violence. They provide a welcoming, inclusive and safe space to talk , whatever your sexual orientation or gender identity.

Domestic Abuse support:

	Spltiz (Wiltshire) - A registered charity delivering support services to adults and young people experiencing the trauma of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Splitz delivers services across south-west England inlcuding in Wiltshire.
	PARAGON (Dorset) - Formerly You First, Paragon are a specialist team working together empowering change for individuals, families, and our communities. PARAGON is part of The YOU Trust and is their domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking team.
	Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership - The Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership is a group of local services in Hampshire working together to provide help and support for Victims and survivors of abuse, children living with domestic abuse, people who may be abusing or hurting someone and professionals seeking advice.

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