Domestic Abuse
It’s a sad fact that domestic abuse is prevalent in church communities and as a church we aim to respond with care and compassion to those who might be suffering within an abusive relationship. We will take seriously any concerns raised and where appropriate we recognise the importance of referring victims to specialist organisations. Abuse within relationships can take many forms – it’s not just physical or sexual but can be emotional and financial. Here are some examples:
Constantly checking where someone is.
Telling them they are ugly, too fat/thin, stupid, useless, etc.
Treating them as a servant/slave.
Constantly putting a person down or criticising them (e.g. telling them they are a bad parent or partner).
Preventing them from seeing friends or family.
Not letting them get a job or making them work long hours.
Shouting, smashing things, throwing things, sulking.
Hitting, kicking, and punching.
Threatening to hurt someone they care about such as the children or their pets.
Rape or making someone do sexual things they don’t want to do.
Using psychological abuse to make the victim believe the abuse is their fault.
Stalking and harassment (including online and texting/constantly calling).
Using Scripture to justify their behaviour e.g., ‘I’m the head of the house and you have to submit to me’.
Not giving them any money, or taking all their money from them or checking exactly what they spend money on.
If you need to talk to us please contact Paul Taylor or Rachel Keenan. We will treat all concerns with the strictest confidence. Above is our Domestic Abuse Statement or for further support please head to the Devon and Cornwall Victim Support website.
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/resources/devon-and-cornwall/ or Restored https://www.restored-uk.org/ (A Christian charity)
Safeguarding Policy 2023-2024
The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 18th Sept 2023 In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy Holy Trinity Church Barnstaple is committed to:
• Promoting a safer environment and culture.
• Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
• Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegations
• Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
• Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
• Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
The Parish will:
• Create a safe and caring place for all.
• Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
• Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
• Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
• Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
• Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
• Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
• Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
• Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
• Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
• Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.
Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.
This church appoints Rachel Keenan as the Parish Safeguarding Officer, Lee Hurrell as the Assistant Safeguarding Officer and David Archer as Safeguarding Training Coordinator.
Incumbent Rev. Paul Taylor.
Churchwardens Andrew keenan and Steve Bunce .
Next Review Date: Sept 2024