Word from a survivor about CSSA audits

21 May 2024

“My name is Rebecca, and I am a survivor of sexual abuse at the hands of a Catholic priest. I am reaching out on behalf of the CSSA, Survivor Reference Panel, to ask for anyone who has been affected by safeguarding experiences regarding the Catholic Church to come forward. 

“The relatively new work undertaken by the CSSA is about change, addressing problems in the hope of moving forward. 

“Survivors are being given a voice, like never before. 

“There is no judgement, personal opinions, or disbelief, just someone to listen.

“Contact can be in person, over the phone or via email, whatever is right for you. 

“Use this opportunity to voice your thoughts and be part of change!”

Rebecca, member of the CSSA survivor panel

Word from CSSA Chair 

Our safeguarding audits are about transparency, and they are about reassurance to the public that everything possible is being done to keep people safe.

At the CSSA we hold ourselves to account in the same way that we hold church bodies to account.

Vitally, that means listening to, and hearing, survivors with whom we work.

We are grateful for the important and progressive conversations we have had over recent months with members of our survivor panel.

Just one of the outcomes of this work is that we are now widening the scope of our audits and making a public call for information.

We hope to get as wide a contribution as possible from anyone who has information about safeguarding in certain areas. This will directly influence the audit process.

Vitally, we would like to hear from those who have experienced abuse in the area which we are auditing.

Rebecca’s message above speaks for itself in terms of why we are doing this.

If you have been affected, and you feel you can get in touch, we’d like to hear from you.

At this time, we are seeking feedback from the Dioceses of Leeds, Clifton and Menevia.

You can find the public survey for:

Leeds HERE

Clifton HERE.

Menevia  HERE.

Thanks to all dioceses for trialling this public call out for information – your courage will, we hope, make a huge difference.

Nazir Afzal, OBE, Chair, CSSA