"Looking back to the past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek to repair the harm done will ever be sufficient. Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening, but also to prevent the possibility of their being covered up and perpetuated. The pain of the victims and their families is also our pain, and so it is urgent that we once more reaffirm our commitment to ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable adults"
(Pope Francis, page 35)
Reasons for visiting this page:
- you are a survivor and want to find help and support.
- you now feel strong enough to tell someone about the abuse you have suffered.
- you want to understand more about what support is available for survivors of abuse.
- you are the relative/friend of someone who has shared with you that they have been abused.
- you want to support someone known to you, who is a survivor of abuse.
To discuss in confidence how we may be able to help, contact:
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor
Caterina O’Connor
Tel: 0141 226 5898
Email:
or write to
The Safeguarding Advisor
Archdiocese of Glasgow
Safeguarding Office
196 Clyde St
Glasgow
G1 4JY
If you wish to tell someone about abuse:
- Thank you for deciding to tell someone about the abuse you have suffered.
- We understand that for anyone to reach this point demands significant courage.
The Catholic Church in Scotland has a mandatory reporting policy. This means that ALL allegations of abuse are reported to the Police, whether the accused is alive or deceased. Although all allegations are reported to the Police, you have the right to decide whether or not to engage with the Police at this stage. If you wish to make a statement to the Police, or if you decide that you are unable to do so at the moment, Safeguarding personnel are still available to offer you support.
Local and National Support Services
For many survivors of abuse, isolation can intensify feelings of fear and anxiety. Many of these helping agencies have telephone and email services that can be contacted for advice and support during these difficult times.
For Children, Young People & Parents
Childline: for people up to 19 years old, 24hr help line, email and online chat services. Tel No 0870 336 2910 or Freephone 0800 1111. Email
Children 1st: offers services to children and families affected by abuse. Tel No 0800 28 22 33.www.children1st.org.uk. They also have a parentline: Tel No 0800 028 2233 (weekdays 9am – 9pm). Email
Child Exploitation & Online Protection (CEOP) to report concerns about online abuse and information on internet safety. Visit: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
NSPCC provides advice and support for children & young people. Information Helpline: 0808 800 5000. Visit: www.nspcc.org.uk
Survivor Groups/Organisations
Future Pathways: set up to allow survivors of in-care abuse in Scotland to access services. Tel No 0808 164 2005 (weekdays 10am – 6pm). Visit: www.future-pathways.co.uk
National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): offers advice and referral to support services. Support line: 0808 801 0331 (Mon- Thurs 10am – 9pm, Fri 10am – 6pm).
Trauma Counselling Line Scotland: confidential telephone counselling. Tel No 08088 020 406 (Mon- Wed 2 – 6pm, Fri 9M – 3PM). Visit: www.healthinmind.org.uk
Speak Out Scotland: support services for male survivors in Glasgow. Tel: 0141 332 9326. Visit: www.speakoutscotland.org
General Organisations
Rape Crisis: offers services to anyone effected by sexual violence. Local: Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis Centre: services include. Tel No 08088 00 00 14. Visit: www.glasgowclyderapecrisis.org.uk
National: Rape Crisis Scotland. Helpline: 08088 01 03 02 (7 days 6pm – midnight). Visit: www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Stop It Now! Offers services around support and prevention. Tel No 0131 556 3535. Email:
Grief to Grace is an apostolate which aims to bring healing and peace to those affected by sexual abuse. For more information on Grief to Grace please go to: https://www.grieftograceuk.org/
The Raphael Counselling Service was launched in 2015 to offer support to anyone who has suffered abuse in the Catholic Church in Scotland. Counselling is provided by Health in Mind, an independent professional Counselling service, and is funded by the Catholic Church in Scotland. Referrals to this service are made via the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.