Abused and Catholic

This script is for people who have been abused or who would like information on child protection within a church context or elsewhere.

Sexual abuse can take many forms including fondling, rape, pornography, voyeurism and other inappropriate sexual behaviour. Abuse by someone in a position of trust and authority, whether in the church or elsewhere, can add to the feelings of betrayal. It can help to speak to someone who is experienced in supporting people who have been abused or raped. There are organisations which can offer counselling as well as practical information and support in reporting abuse or rape. These organisations can offer you confidential support however long ago the abuse happened.

If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, call the police on 999. They have specially trained officers who work with people who have been abused.

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) supports all adults who were abused in childhood and who continue to suffer the damaging effects into adulthood. NAPAC offers confidential information and literature to adults abused in childhood, their families, friends or partners. Call them on freephone 0800 085 3330 (Mondays to Fridays 12pm-8pm, Saturdays 9am-12pm). You can visit their website at www.napac.org.uk.

The Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service offers professional child protection advice and support to churches, organizations and individuals. Information is available on running criminal checks on people being appointed to the ministry or working with children. Some counselling is offered for both child and adult survivors of abuse. You can phone the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service on 0845 120 45 50 (office hours). You can also visit their website at www.ccpas.co.uk.

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland was set up by Anglican, Free Churches, Roman Catholic and many other churches so that they could think, pray and work together. They have recently published a report on sexual abuse within the church called 'Time for Action: Sexual abuse, the Churches and a new dawn for survivors'. For more information, phone them on 020 7523 2137. Also, more information on their work and how to obtain the report is available via their website at www.ctbi.org.uk.

A leaflet about clergy abuse is available from MACSAS, Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors. It explains safety issues for adults seeking pastoral help from priests and ministers and describes action people can take if they find themselves being sexually exploited. MACSAS offers support to women or men sexually abused by clergy or ministers as a child or as an adult. For help, or to obtain a copy of the leaflet, write to MACSAS, c/o BM CSSA, London WC1N 3XX.

The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement supports lesbian and gay Christians, especially those subject to discrimination. For further information call them on 020 7739 1249 (Mondays to Fridays 10am-6pm). For counselling, call the special counselling line on 020 7739 8134 (Wednesdays and Sundays 7pm-9.30pm). Their website is at www.lgcm.org.uk.

For information on child protection, or if you are concerned that a child is at risk of abuse, you can phone the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline. The helpline is also available for people who are concerned about their own behaviour towards children. Call freephone 0808 800 5000 (any time) for counselling, information and advice. Or send an email to help@nspcc.org.uk. Information is also available on their website at www.nspcc.org.uk.

The Association of Child Abuse Lawyers, ACAL, offers practical support for lawyers and other professionals working for adults and children who have been abused. ACAL can give survivors of abuse details of lawyers experienced in this area. ACAL can advise you on reporting child abuse which took place a number of years ago. Phone 01923 286 888 (Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-3pm) or visit their website at www.childabuselawyers.com.

You can get useful information on keeping your children safe when surfing the internet from children's charity NCH. Their free leaflet, NetSmart Rules, is available by phoning 0845 7 626 579 during office hours. Or visit their website at www.nch.org.uk.

The Internetwatch Foundation is an independent organisation which aims to address the problem of illegal material on the internet, in particular child abuse. For more information on their campaigns, visit their website at www.iwf.org.uk.

Other useful websites to visit are:

The Survivors' Directory - an essential resource for anyone supporting survivors of abuse at www.survivorsdirectory.org.

HAVOCA - provide support, information and education to adult victims of child abuse. The site also has forums and bulletin boards. You can visit this site at www.havoca.org.

There's a Channel 4 website with lots of information, plus the opportunity to send a confidential question in the 'just ask ' section. Just go to www.channel4.com/health/microsites/H/health/magazine/index.html.

This message has been prepared for Channel 4 by Broadcasting Support Services.