Abuse by a Priest, Vicar, or Church Official
Abuse can be carried out by anyone connected to the Church of England — from clergy and officials to volunteers and staff. The Church can be held legally responsible for abuse committed by those acting in its name.
Claims may be brought for sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, and safeguarding failures by people connected to the Church of England — including clergy, volunteers, staff, and church officials.
What Types of Abuse May Lead to a Claim?
Sexual Abuse
Any form of sexual contact, exploitation, or exposure by a person connected to the Church. This includes contact and non-contact offences.
Physical Abuse
Physical harm inflicted by clergy, church officials, or staff, including in Church-run schools, care settings, or youth activities.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
Sustained emotional cruelty, manipulation, coercive control, or bullying by someone in a Church position of trust, where it has caused lasting psychological harm.
Spiritual Abuse
Misuse of spiritual authority to control, manipulate, or exploit. This may include using religious teaching to justify abuse, silence survivors, or prevent disclosure.
Safeguarding Failures
Where the Church, a diocese, parish, or church body failed to protect you from a known or suspected risk of abuse. Institutional negligence can form the basis of a claim.
Who May Claims Be Brought Against?
Abuse by any of the following may give rise to a claim against the relevant diocese, parish, or Church body:
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