Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse

Tuesday, 30 April 2024

The Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse is is always marked on the Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter in England and Wales.  

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding within the Diocese of Nottingham is of paramount importance, and the Diocese is dedicated to promoting the safeguarding of all children, and adults at risk, within its community. Nottingham Diocese aims to proactively embed a culture of safeguarding, to prevent abuse occurring in the first instance, and to provide support to individuals who have been hurt by abuse.

The Diocese is committed to taking any necessary actions to reduce the likelihood of further harm. Safeguarding staff within the diocese liaise closely with statutory agencies to ensure that any allegations of abuse are promptly and thoroughly investigated and, where appropriate, survivors are supported and perpetrators held to account.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is described as:

• The process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully. It involves taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

The definition of safeguarding adults at risk is described as:

•   Action to prevent abuse or to protect persons thought to be at risk of abuse or neglect or poor standards of care by any other person or persons that violates their human and civil rights.

The Catholic Church acknowledges the value of every human life and promotes the duty to support all people and protect them from harm. Safeguarding is an essential element of the Catholic Church required to fulfil the mission and calling, given by Christ, to value every human life.

Following the publication of The Nolan report in 2001, the diocese has implemented robust safeguarding policies and procedures relating to the protection of children and adults at risk, which places paramount importance upon the welfare of the victims and survivors of abuse.

The Catholic Church provides a wide range of ministries and activities in which children and adults at risk can participate. For example, Children’s Liturgy groups within parishes, Eucharistic Ministers visiting the sick, and a variety of opportunities to participate in the faith through the medium of music. The Church offers support and care for victims and survivors of historical abuse allegations, and ministers to and manages individuals alleged to have caused harm.

The diocese recognises its responsibility in safeguarding the personal dignity and rights of all vulnerable people and is committed to taking all appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment