St. Patrick Friary, Limerick
Regional Safeguarding Co-ordinator
St. Columba Friary, Derry
Assistant Regional Safeguarding Co-ordinator
We take safeguarding very seriously and work to ensure that children and vulnerable adults are kept safe. We believe that human life is sacred since, from its beginning, it involves the creative act of God and remains forever in a special relationship with Him. Accordingly, we recognise that each human being, irrespective of age or circumstance, should be accorded the dignity and respect due to a child of God.
We are all made in the ‘image and likeness of God.’ Given this clear truth of faith, all abuse, always and everywhere, is both morally wrong and a serious crime. We will do all that we can to eradicate it and to support anyone who is, or has been, a survivor of abuse, whether as a child or vulnerable adult.
We do this inspired by the love and compassion of Jesus Christ and following our safeguarding principles and policies. These are based on statutory guidelines and policies, which inform national guidance within the Catholic Church.
If you know or believe that a child or vulnerable adult is in danger of being abused, or is subject to abuse, immediately dial 999 for the police. It is the policy of the Catholic Church to report all allegations of abuse to statutory authorities, regardless of whether the abuse occurred recently or in the past, or whether the accused person is living or deceased.
If you want to talk about an allegation of abuse, or if you are a survivor of historic abuse and want to talk about it with someone who will listen with sensitivity and care, then please contact our Safeguarding Coordinators.
In England and Wales, you can also phone the national ‘Safe Spaces’ helpline on 0300 303 1056. 'Safe Spaces' is a free and independent national support service independently run by Victim Support. It provides a confidential, personal, and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. You will find more information at safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Following an audit of our Safeguarding practices, the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency have published a baseline report. If you have any questions or would like more information, please visit our safeguarding page.
We participate in Christ’s renewal of all things through our prayer, fraternal life, service of the poor, and evangelisation, as a complement to the work of those whose mission is to serve parochially.
