The Congregational Federation encourages all their churches to have a Safeguarding Policy. Those Churches that have a policy and are committed to safe practice are issued with a Safeguarding Certificate to be displayed in their Church. 

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We are trying to provide a number of links to resources that help churches to think positively about their response to Safeguarding. Here are some of them.

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The Methodist Church: Our commitments to survivors of abuse within the Methodist Church -  The Methodist Church recognises the devastating impact on survivors who suffer harm within a church context. It remains a deep source of grief and shame that, as a Christian Church, such abuse represents a clear failure to live in ways that glorify God and honour Christ. They have provided here a series of resources for survivors of abuse.

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Reflect and Respond - The Methodist Church has put together a small booklet that is a series of studies and then reflections on those studies. They include Being good news, A broken-hearted world and a loving heart of Christ, Learning and Caring, and Service. The study guide was written by Rev Helen Cameron, with input from the Methodist Survivors Advisory Group.​

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The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So: Why you don’t have to submit to domestic abuse and coercive control - By Helen Paynter.

This book is addressed directly to women experiencing domestic abuse, and to those who seek to support them, including pastoral leaders, friends and support organisations.
It debunks the myths – perpetuated by some abusers and, unwittingly, by many churches – which prevent women from getting out of harm’s way. It helps them realise that the Bible does not belong to their abuser but is a text of liberation. Written with careful attention to pastoral issues, it closely examines and clearly explains the relevant scriptural texts.

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Cover to Cover: Violence Against Women - A Bible Study Series of 7 Sessions for Small Group and Personal Use by Claudine Roberts
These helpful guides in the Cover to Cover series are ideal for group and individual study. Experience the reality of Bible events like never before and live through the inspiring lives of key characters in Scripture. Learn how to apply God's Word to your life as you explore weekly compelling sessions and gain a new depth in your Bible knowledge.
Gender-based violence probably affects some of the women in your church and possibly in your small group. The Bible holds many stories of this kind of violence. This study will approach these accounts head on, because, while they are horrific, they are important for the Church to understand. Historically, some of the teaching on these stories has promoted a misogynistic culture, but the reality is that these stories show us the profound compassion of God and how he deeply cares for those who suffer.

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Falling Among Thieves: Understanding and Responding to Church-related Abuse (2022) - A Temple Tract from the William Temple Foundation by Andrew Graystone. These are free resources which can be downloaded as an eBook - a donation can be made.
In recent years, victims of church-related abuse have complained bitterly about their treatment by the church. What has gone so badly wrong, and how could the church do better? Falling Among Thieves seeks to outline a theological understanding of church-related abuse, and the church’s role in ‘re-dressing’ the victim—drawing insights from the story of the Good Samaritan.
 

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