Awareness of contemporary safeguarding issues

Raise awareness of important contemporary safeguarding issues so we can all better spot the signs of abuse, call out unhealthy behaviours, and exercise best practice.

There are a number of dedicated days and weeks which raise awareness of a number of contemporary safeguarding issues.

Informing ourselves about these different forms of abuse helps us to:

• better spot the signs of abuse
• inform our response
• develop healthy cultures and safer spaces

Below, we signpost to some of the key campaigns and issues we have a particular focus upon
 

Q.How could you as an individual or as a church, engage with these issues or campaigns?
 

National Safeguarding Adult Week (21 to 27 November)
 

The Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults Week is an opportunity for organisations to come together to raise awareness of important safeguarding issues.

Each day they focus on a different safeguarding theme to explore how we can respond to contemporary safeguarding challenges Find out more
 

White Ribbon Campaign (Friday 25 November) 

Although aware that domestic abuse can happen within a variety of relationships, this campaign particularly invites men to be part of the change to help end male violence against women and girls.

This year, White Ribbon Day, falls on the same week as the start of the FIFA men’s World Cup. All men can join the team to end violence against women and girls - that's #TheGoal.

The Diocese supports the campaign and a video message from Bishop Simon is available (see above), which can be played at a public screening of a football match, in a service, or on social media. View the video

For more information about White Ribbon visit: www.whiteribbon.org.uk/
 

16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence
 

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global campaign that raises awareness of and calls for the elimination of violence against women and girls. The campaign runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Domestic abuse can of course take place within many settings, against men by women, and in same-sex relationships.

To raise awareness of Domestic Abuse, the Church of England has drawn together contributions from survivors of domestic abuse and the services that support them. Through a series of videos and other related resources, they hope to inspire churches to learn, reflect and take action to end domestic abuse.

View the materials

Modern Slavery
 

In the UK, thousands of men, women and children are trapped in modern slavery and although it is a crime, it is present in every community. The Clewer Initiative is enabling Church of England dioceses and wider Church networks to develop strategies to detect modern slavery in their communities and help provide victim support and care. 

Visit: www.theclewerinitiative.org/campaigns/anti-slavery-day-make-it-slavery-free

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