Safeguarding Report Published

Diocese of Chichester
July 8, 2014

http://www.chichester.anglican.org/news/2014/07/08/safeguarding-report-published/

The Bishop of Chichester, Dr Martin Warner and the Cathedral Chapter have welcomed the publication of a report which reviewed safeguarding practices in Chichester Cathedral and the Diocese.

The CARMI Report, received in 2004, followed an investigation by Sussex Police resulting in the trial and conviction of an offender for child abuse in 2001. The previous Bishop of Chichester, The Rt Rev’d Dr John Hind, commissioned a review after the trial, to identify learning and produce recommendations. This report is an outcome of that review.

The review was designed to replicate the standard of Serious Case Reviews at the time and was invaluable in informing and improving safeguarding practices in the Cathedral and the Diocese.

Dr Warner and the Cathedral Chapter said: "Today, as we publish this report, first and foremost our thoughts are with the survivors and their families. The effects of abuse can last a lifetime and the passing of the years may or may not have resulted in any kind of healing. As Christians we are profoundly ashamed of abuse that has happened in church or church institutions. We extend our most sincere apologies to all survivors and their families, though we know that this can never repair the damage done.

They added: "It is our sincere hope that those affected by these crimes will regard the publication of the Report as a positive step. Our intention is to shed light on past events, to aid learning, build trust and foster openness, not to cause further pain. In this way, the publication is intended to reinforce our commitment to a continuous review of our safeguarding practices and procedures."

Preparations for publishing this report have included identifying sources of support for anyone who is affected. Anyone seeking support is invited to speak to Colin Perkins or Morag Keane from the Diocese of Chichester Safeguarding Team, or to directly contact the Saturn Centre in Crawley, which provides a range of services for anyone over the age of 14 who is a victim of sexual abuse.

The Diocesan Safeguarding Team, Colin Perkins and Morag Keane, can be contacted at Church House, Hove on 01273 421021. The Saturn Centre’s phone number is 01293 600469.

The CARMI report’s independent author was Edi Carmi.