The Catholic Church in England and Wales follows a zero-tolerance approach to abuse. It is our policy to report all allegations of abuse to the statutory authorities, regardless of:

• when the abuse is said to have occurred (recent or non-recent)
• whether the person accused is living or deceased
• the context in which the concern arises

If you have any role within the Catholic Church you must report any safeguarding allegation or concern immediately to:

• the safeguarding office for your diocese, or
• the safeguarding lead for your religious congregation, or
• directly to the police

Reporting is a mandatory requirement for all Church personnel — clergy, religious, employees, and volunteers.

If you are a member of the public

Please report any allegation or concern:

• Directly to the Police, and
• To the relevant diocesan or religious safeguarding office.

Your information could help protect a child, an adult at risk, or others who may be vulnerable.

Other useful organisations and contacts

NSPCC 
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
0808 800 5000

Childline
0800 1111

Samaritans
116 123

Family Lives
0808 800 2222

National Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247

Action on Elder Abuse (now Hourglass)
0808 808 8141

Rape Crisis
0800 500 2222 

Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS)

Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA)

Stop it Now

Helpline: 0808 1000 900

Stop it Now offers a confidential helpline, live chat, and secure messaging service for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse and its prevention.

This service is for those who may be worried about their own thoughts, feelings, or behaviour, or the behaviour of another adult or young person. Visit the website for Stop it Now.

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