Reporting Abuse
Reporting Abuse or Safeguarding Concerns to RLSS
We will always be open and honest about what needs to happen, who we need to tell and why.
Often we can do this anonymously so we don’t need to pass on your name with the concern you have raised.
Reporting Non-Recent Abuse
If you or someone you know experienced abuse from someone associated with the Catholic Church and you are ready to talk about it.
Report a Current Concern
If you are concerned about a safeguarding incident, abuse or other concern which does not put someone in immediate danger or give you concern for their immediate safety.
Immediate Welfare Concerns
If you are concerned about the safety and welfare of a child or adult at risk, or believe someone to be in immediate danger do not delay in contacting the police.
Confidentiality
We strongly acknowledge that confidentiality is central to our work and we adhere to this commitment. However, we want you to be aware that there may be occasions where we cannot maintain confidentiality.
We will always make you aware when confidentiality needs to be broken.
The following circumstances may mean we have to speak to other safeguarding professionals:
If you tell us there is a serious risk of harm or abuse to someone else from yourself
If you share an allegation of previous harm or abuse (this includes harm or abuse which may be physical, psychological, verbal, sexual, emotional, spiritual, domestic, modern slavery, discriminatory, organisational, neglect, self-neglect, financial or material)
If you do tell us about a risk of harm or abuse, we will make you aware of who we will need to tell and update and support you as much as we can, so you know who holds this information and what the next steps might be.
For more information, please contact the safeguarding team on 0151 5562311 or via e mail safeguarding@religioussafeguarding.org.
Importantly, if you are concerned about the safety and welfare of a child or adult at risk, do not delay in contacting the police, using 999 if a child or adult is believed to be in imminent danger.
Make A Report Now
If you or someone you know has experienced harm or abuse, we are here to listen to and support you. We understand how difficult it can be to come forward but please be assured you can speak to us and we will listen. Whether the concern is current or non-recent, our priority is to ensure your safety and well-being and to act in accordance with safeguarding best practice.
We will always do whatever we can to support anyone that gets in touch with us, but we are only able to handle abuse cases that are linked to Religious. If your report involves members of the Catholic Church who are not members of a Religious Life Group, please contact the relevant Diocesan Safeguarding Team. You will find their contact details here.