Domestic Abuse Policy

Parish Policy for

Responding to Domestic Abuse

Parish of       St John The Evangelist, Perry Barr

agreed by the Parish Church Council on                 26^th January 2019

We are committed to promoting and supporting environments which:

We recognise that:

·        all forms of domestic abuse cause damage to the survivor and express an imbalance of power in the relationship;

·        all survivors (regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity) have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse;

·        domestic abuse can occur in all communities;

·        domestic abuse may be a single incident, but is usually a systematic, repeated pattern which escalates in severity and frequency;

·        domestic abuse, if witnessed or overheard by a child, is a form of abuse by the perpetrator of the abusive behaviour;

·        working in partnership with children, adults and other agencies is essential in promoting the welfare of any child or adult suffering abuse.

We will endeavour to respond to domestic abuse by:

In all our activities – valuing, listening to and respecting both survivors and alleged or known perpetrators of domestic abuse.

In our publicity – raising awareness about other agencies, support services, resources and expertise, through providing information in public and women-only areas of relevance to survivors, children and alleged or known perpetrators of domestic abuse.

When concerns are raised – ensuring that those who have experienced abuse can find safety and informed help and working with the appropriate statutory bodies during an investigation into domestic abuse, including when allegations are made against a member of the church community.

In our care – ensuring that informed and appropriate pastoral care is offered to any child, young person or adult who has suffered abuse and identifying and outlining the appropriate relationship of those with pastoral care responsibilities with both survivors and alleged or known perpetrators of domestic abuse.

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