Diocese of Plymouth welcomes CSSA Survivors’ Experience Report

The Diocese of Plymouth welcomes the publication of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency’s (CSSA) Survivors’ Experience of the Catholic Church thematic review and is grateful for the extensive work undertaken to listen to survivors and identify ways in which safeguarding practice can continue to improve across the Church.

 

We are pleased to see that much of the good practice highlighted throughout the report is already embedded within the Diocese of Plymouth or is reflected in developments that are currently underway. The report identifies the importance of compassionate responses, clear communication, survivor-focused support, continuity of contact, transparency, and meaningful opportunities for survivor involvement. These are principles that continue to shape and inform our safeguarding work across the Diocese.

 

At the same time, we recognise that the report contains important learning for the whole Church. The experiences shared by survivors remind us that safeguarding must be continually reviewed, strengthened and developed. We are committed to reflecting carefully on the findings and recommendations of the report and to ensuring that opportunities for learning are embedded into our everyday practice.

 

Our priority remains creating and maintaining a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for all, particularly for those who have experienced harm or abuse, whether within the Church or elsewhere. We remain committed to listening, learning and working collaboratively to ensure that survivor-focused safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, as we continue to strengthen our culture of care, accountability and transparency.

 

Martin Christmas-Nelson, Head of Safeguarding, Diocese of Plymouth

 

Support for Survivors
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this report, support is available.
For support within the Diocese of Plymouth, please contact:
Gemma Wilkes
Victim/Survivor Support Worker
01364 645436
gemma.wilkes@prcdtr.org.uk
Independent support is also available through Safe Spaces, a free and independent support service for anyone who has been affected by church-related abuse:
0300 303 1056
www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk

 

The Diocese of Plymouth encourages anyone affected by abuse or harm, whether within the Church or elsewhere, to seek support and guidance.