The safeguarding webinar: “Responding to Concerns and Allegations” took place on 31 January 2025, addressing vital issues regarding safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the church.

The meeting was aimed at safeguarding delegates in different congregations and safeguarding professionals. It featured an in-depth presentation by safeguarding expert and teacher Tina Campbell. Tina shared many years of experience in training safeguarding officers, Formators, Provincials and Leadership Team, offering practical guidance and advice on many aspects of safeguarding including responding to concerns and reports of abuse.

The Crucial Role of Terminology

One of the first issues Tina addressed was the importance of using precise language when talking about abuse. She stressed that the use of the words concern and allegation are essential to understand the gravity of the situation:
"When we talk about abuse, we cannot reduce it to a 'complaint'. When someone reports sexual, physical, spiritual or emotional abuse, we are dealing with a serious and often criminal offence. Talking about a 'complaint' diminishes the impact on the victim."

She explained how in some contexts, such as in some protection policies, the word "allegation" is mistakenly replaced by terms such as "complaint", which risks minimising the trauma experienced by the victim.

The Nature of Allegations and the Management of the accused Process

During her presentation, Tina explored the ways in which allegations of abuse emerge and the vitally important and mandatory actions which need to be taken. She explained that an allegation can come from different sources, such as the victims themselves, a witness, a third party, or even directly from the competent statutory authorities, such as the police.
"Very rarely will a perpetrator of abuse come forward. In general, allegations come from those who have suffered harm or are close to the victim," Tina said, highlighting the importance of a sensitive and responsible approach when dealing with allegations.

The “Listen, Respond, Record, Report” Model

One of the key parts of the presentation was the introduction of a practical model for responding to reports: Listen, Respond, Record and Report. Listening to victims must be done with empathy and without interruption, and every step of the response must be marked by the utmost care and respect .

"Listening is fundamental. We must welcome people who report without interruption. We cannot reduce their pain, but we can accompany them on what is a very painful and often retraumatising journey ."

She explained that the next step is to respond with reassurance, without making promises or assumptions about what will happen: "Never promise what we cannot control, such as the legal implications for the person accused."

Relevance of Canon Laws and Procedures

The speaker also addressed the issue of legal and canonical implications, underlying that every report has both civil and ecclesiastical implications. She highlighted the value of ful compliance with canon law, but also civil regulations, particularly those related to mandatory reporting.

" Disclosing abuse is a matter that goes beyond an individual person. It has a further and often enduring impact upon their own relationships.The church has a responsibility to protect the vulnerable and to address these crimes with the seriousness they deserve."

The Importance of Documentation and Communication with Authorities

One of the most sensitive aspects addressed by Tina was that of documentation. She reminded that every conversation, every meeting with a victim (or anyone else related to the allegation), must be recorded accurately, never recording with personal devices, but following official recording procedures.

"The notes we take can be used as evidence, so we must always write clearly, precisely and completely. "

She also stressed the importance of involving the competent authorities timely, such as the police, and reminded that the allegation must be also communicated to the respective Congregational or Diocesan insurance company, because it is essential that they are informed promptly. Tina also touched upon the legal implications regarding insurance and cautioned that the proper management of information is essential.

Tina’s intervention was crucial in raising awareness and training anyone who has a role in leadership and safeguarding regarding the right ways to respond to reports of abuse. As she concluded:"Responding properly to a report of abuse is not just a matter of following procedures, but of acknowledging the dignity and pain of a victim. Only then can we truly protect the young and the vulnerable and seriously begin to address the reality of abuse."