Thank you to everyone who has joined us in marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. We hope you have found the content on our social media channels helpful in highlighting the breadth of safeguarding that is needed in our church communities and how everyone plays a part.
Over the last few days, we have met eight people from our fictitious church, finding out what roles they hold, what their backgrounds are and an insight into how they interact with one another. However, these people and the scenarios they have been a part of have been based on real-life experiences.
Today we shared the sad plight of Dave and Tina’s relationship, revealing Dave has been abusing Tina through coercive control. This is often a subtle form of abuse that won't necessarily be noticeable in isolation but, if the subtle signs are reported by the various individuals who spot it, it can be caught.
This is one of many forms of abuse that 100,000s of people face on a daily basis. If it wasn’t for those around Tina and Dave noticing and reporting the subtle signs of concern, it could have gone on for a long time and possibly led to other forms of abuse, including physical abuse.
Raising awareness and educating individuals is a proven approach to making our communities safer spaces for all.
We know that some will find the content we have shared over the last few days triggering and would encourage anyone who has any concerns, for themselves or others, to seek support from their Parish Safeguarding Officer or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team on 01483 790379 or safeguarding@cofeguildford.org.uk. Of course, if anyone is in immediate danger report it to the police by calling 999.
Although the 16 Days of Activism is drawing to a close, the call to tackle abuse towards women and girls is never-ending, and our materials can be used over any period to help take your community on a journey of safeguarding discovery.
If you would like to make use of our materials or have any questions, please contact comms@cofeguildford.org.uk.