Safe Spaces is here to support people who have experienced church‑related abuse within the Church of England, Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
This page explains who is eligible, how we assess referrals, and what to expect.
Who We Support
You may be eligible for Safe Spaces if:
✔ You have experienced harm
This includes physical, mental, emotional harm, or financial loss directly caused by behaviour that may be a criminal offence.
(As defined by the Victims’ Code.)
✔ The harm happened in connection with:
- The Church of England
- The Church in Wales
- The Catholic Church in England and Wales
✔ You are over 18
Safe Spaces supports adults aged 18+. Eligibility is based on your age today, not the age you were when the abuse occurred. We are here for adults who experienced abuse as children or as adults
Eligibility Assessment
Every referral is reviewed individually.
If someone does not meet the criteria, Safe Spaces will always try to signpost them to other suitable services.
Our framework ensures the service focuses on people affected by church‑related abuse, including cases where the person who caused harm is now deceased.
All questions about eligibility are considered case by case in line with our policy.
Victims’ Code Definition of a Victim
“A person who has suffered harm, including physical, mental or emotional harm or economic loss which was directly caused by a criminal offence.”
Who Is Not Eligible
To maintain the specialist purpose of Safe Spaces, we cannot support:
✖ Church staff or volunteers
If the issue relates only to:
- Employment matters
- Internal conduct concerns that do not reach a criminal threshold
- Grievances
- Workplace bullying or harassment unrelated to criminal abuse
- Other HR‑related issues
✖ Internal church disputes
Complaints handled through:
- HR processes
- Whistleblowing
- Disciplinary procedures
that do not involve allegations of abuse within the scope of Safe Spaces.
These situations should be addressed through the Church’s HR or employment dispute channels.
✔ What is still eligible
If abuse happened within a church employment or voluntary role and involves criminal conduct (e.g., sexual assault, coercion, violence), the person may still be eligible.
Such cases are reviewed individually.
Support for Vulnerable Victims
Some people may need extra support.
A person may be considered vulnerable under the Victims’ Code if they:
- Are under 18
(note: Safe Spaces supports adults 18+ only) - Have a mental health condition or learning disability
- Have a physical disability or illness that affects their ability to access support
- Feel significant fear or distress because of the abuse
- Have communication difficulties or other barriers to accessing help
Safe Spaces will make reasonable adjustments to ensure support is accessible, safe, and trauma‑informed.
Safety and Conduct
Safe Spaces has a duty to protect everyone using the service, as well as staff.
We may restrict or remove access if someone:
- Does not meet eligibility criteria
- Acts abusively or harasses staff
- Displays inappropriate or harmful behaviour
Our priority is to maintain a supportive and safe environment for all service users.