A victim of church-based sexual abuse will be speaking at the next Safeguarding Good Practice Participation Forum in October. Organised by the Diocese of Gloucester and the NST, it will be a space to hear from and engage with her experience.
These forums are designed to help PSOs, Diocesan and Cathedral Safeguarding Teams, and the National Safeguarding Team learn together in a safe and supportive environment, and strengthen their practice by asking questions and developing ways to listen and respond appropriately and with care.
The topic of the autumn forum will focus on learning how to listen effectively and to engage with those who have experienced abuse.
Participants will hear from Ann, who, in her early 20s, suffered horrifying abuse at the hands of a Church of England priest in Gloucester. Now in her 80s, she has felt able to come forward to share the story of what happened to her, seeking to empower others to speak out.
“If my story enables even just one person of any gender to consider moving out of that dark place they are in, I shall feel it worth my painful journey to arrive here and share,” Ann said.
A video and a transcript of Ann’s account are available here. (Warning: This video contains details of sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, coercion, and abortion, which some people may find distressing.)
The workshop will be facilitated by Ann, alongside Ioannis Athanasiou, Survivor Engagement Lead for the National Safeguarding Team, and Brett Riches, Safeguarding Manager and DSO.
They will guide participants in exploring:
- The language to describe those who have experienced abuse
- What trauma-informed communication means in practice
- How good listening activates participation
Attendees are asked to watch the video or read the transcript beforehand, so participants join the forum with awareness of Ann’s story and how this has impacted her. It also ensures that she does not have to re-tell her story.
Details
*NB. This event has passed* It took place on Thursday 2 October 2025, from 3pm to 4.30pm at the Laud Room, Church House, College Green. Gloucester, GL1 2LY. It will also be on livestream via Zoom.
If you are local, please do try to attend in person.
Click here for the sign-up form.
If this content has affected you or if you would like to speak with someone, lots of support, guidance and contact details for other support agencies can be found here.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Team may be contacted using these details:
01452 835516 (Mon-Fri, 9-5)
07944 680320 (Out of hours, Mon-Fri)
Out of hours: Phone cover for advice/guidance over weekends and bank holidays is provided by the thirtyone:eight safeguarding helpline. They can be contacted on 0303 003 1111.
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