Do I have to report to the police before I can make a claim?

No. A civil compensation claim doesn't require a police report or a criminal conviction — it's assessed on the balance of probabilities, a different and lower standard than a criminal court uses.

What if the person who abused me has died?

This doesn't stop a claim. Claims are generally brought against the Church of England or the relevant diocese, which can be held vicariously liable for the actions of clergy, staff and volunteers, regardless of whether that individual is still alive.

It was decades ago. Is it too late?

For child sexual abuse, there's now no time limit at all under UK law, following a change in June 2026. For other forms of historical abuse, courts can still allow a claim to proceed years or decades later, depending on the circumstances.

I'm not ready to talk about details. Can I still get in touch?

Yes. An initial conversation is about understanding your options, at your pace — you're never expected to share more than you're comfortable with, and nothing you say commits you to any next step.

If Something Happened to You

What to Do If You Were Abused by Someone in the Church

Last Updated: 26 August 2026

If you're here because something happened to you, or to someone you care about, connected to the Church of England — you don't need to know any legal terms, and you don't need to have already decided what you want to do. This page is a starting point, not a form to fill in.

Talk to Someone in Confidence +44 (0) 207 769 6701

Four Things Worth Knowing

None of these require you to do anything. They're just things that tend to help when someone is trying to work out where to start.

You Don't Have to Decide Anything Right Now

There's no deadline on working out how you feel. Reading this page, or talking to someone, doesn't commit you to reporting it, making a claim, or telling anyone else. You're allowed to just think about it for as long as you need.

If You Need to Talk, Talk to Someone Who Isn't Involved

A trusted friend, a helpline, or a counsellor — someone with no connection to the Church or the person involved. NAPAC (0808 801 0331) and MACSAS specialise in exactly this and are free and confidential.

You Can Report It Without Starting Legal Action

Reporting to the police, or to the Church's own safeguarding team, is a separate step from bringing a compensation claim. Many survivors do one without the other, or do them months apart, in whichever order feels right.

Compensation Is One Option Among Several — Not an Obligation

If and when you're ready to think about compensation, there are several routes (a civil claim, the Church's Redress Scheme, or a CICA application), and you're free to explore any, all, or none of them.

"But What If..." — Common Worries That Don't Actually Stop You

Most of the reasons survivors give us for not getting in touch turn out not to be barriers at all. If any of these sound familiar, it's still worth a conversation.

"It happened a long time ago and you're not sure it still "counts""

"The person who harmed you has since died"

"You never reported it at the time, or told anyone at all"

"You're not sure whether what happened meets any legal definition"

"You feel loyalty or guilt about the Church, the parish, or the person involved"

"You don't have any documents, letters, or records"

When You're Ready to Learn More

No pressure to read all of this now — it will still be here when you are.

Common Questions

Whenever You're Ready, We're Here

A first conversation is free, confidential, and doesn't commit you to anything. You set the pace.

Request a Confidential Consultation +44 (0) 207 769 6701