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 (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 Day and Campaign (25 November) 

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

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. Several Christian organisations have produced helpful materials to raise awareness of this issue.

• Church of England - 16 Days Campaign: A series of video and other related resources including contributions from survivors of domestic abuse and the services that support them. 
   
• The Mother's Union - Rise Up Campaign: A set of resources from prayers, activities and theological reflections. 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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