Survivors Resources

Our commitments to survivors of abuse within the Methodist Church:

We will:

• Provide a welcome to all survivors and support their engagement with the Methodist Church
• Work continuously to create a culture of inclusion throughout the Church
• Provide time and space to listen without judgement to anyone raising a concern or reporting abuse.
• Respond promptly and professionally to safeguarding concerns and reports of abuse
• Work closely in partnership with statutory agencies to protect the vulnerable and support those who seek justice.
• Offer pastoral care to survivors of abuse and other people who have been affected
• Work with survivors to increase understanding throughout the Church of the nature of abuse and its impact and reflect this learning through policy, procedure and training. 
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Policy and guidance for working with victims and survivors of abuse within the Methodist Church

A short guide for victims and survivors

May 1...? No touch without permission

Unwanted touch can re-traumatise someone who has experienced abuse.

Some people simply don't like being touched and some people with sensory processing differences may be uncomfortable with touch or find it distressing.

The most loving thing you can do is to ask permission BEFORE you touch anyone.

Creating safer spaces for EVERYONE

May I? No touch without permission (leaflet)

May I? No touch without permission (poster)

Since 2017, the Survivors’ Advisory group has worked as an effective team to help the church reflect on what needs to change in its culture in order to make it a truly safe space.  The group has studied both theological and practice issues and has made important contributions to key policy developments.  In particular though, the group has produced two important documents that were launched in January 2021.

‘Reflect and Respond’ is a four week study guide for small groups in churches.  Based on the four themes of ‘Our Calling’, it provides case study material, theological commentary and challenging questions. Highly commended by both the Secretary of Conference and the chair of the Safeguarding Committee it can be ordered from Methodist Publishing and is free. 

Reflect and Respond Study Guide (pdf)

Reflect and Respond Leaders Guide  (pdf)

Supporting Survivors of Abuse leaflet – published January 2021

Secondly the group has developed a leaflet that should be made freely available in all our churches that explains how to seek care and support when making a disclosure, and describes what is likely to happen next and the standards we expect to achieve.  

Supporting Survivors of Abuse leaflet (pdf)