A Message to Abuse Survivors Within the Catholic Church

Apology Text of Archbishop Tartaglia – McLellan Report

“As the President of the Bishops’ Conference, and on behalf of all the Bishops of Scotland, I want to offer a profound apology to all those who have been harmed and who have suffered in any way as a result of actions by anyone within the Catholic Church.

Child abuse is a horrific crime. That this abuse should have been carried out within the Church, and by priests and religious, takes that abuse to another level. Such actions are inexcusable and intolerable. The harm the perpetrators of abuse have caused is first and foremost to their victims, but it extends far beyond them, to their families and friends, as well as to the Church and wider society.

I would like to assure the survivors of abuse that the Catholic Bishops of Scotland are shamed and pained by what you have suffered. We say sorry. We ask forgiveness.

We apologise to those who have found the Church’s response slow, unsympathetic or uncaring and reach out to them as we take up the recommendations of the McLellan Commission.”
 

We want you to know that the Church cares about you and that you are valued. You matter a great deal to us, and there is help and support available for you.

To discuss in confidence how we may be able to help you Call: Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor: 07939 486290 Weekdays, 9am to 5pm. Email: safeguardingadvisor@rcdop.org.uk

Write to: The Safeguarding Advisor, Diocesan Centre, Cathedral Precincts, Incle Street, PA1 1HR

“Grief to Grace" 

“Grief to Grace is an apostolate which aims to bring healing and peace to those affected by sexual abuse. In October 2020 we were delighted to welcome Father Dominic Allain, International Pastoral Director of “Grief to Grace”, to give a formation day in Paisley.
For more information on Grief to Grace please go to: 
https://www.grieftograceuk.org/

 

For Children, Young People & Parents

Childline: for people up to 19 years old, 24 hour help line and email and online chat services. Tel No 0870 336 2910 or Freephone 0800 1111 email scotland@childline.org.uk
Children 1st: offers services to children and families affected by abuse. Tel No 0800 28 22 33
website www.children1st.org.uk.  They also have a parentline: Tel No 0800 028 2233 (weekdays 9am – 9pm), email parentlinescotland@children1st.org.uk
Child Exploitation & Online Protection (CEOP): to report concerns about online abuse and information on internet safety: thinkyouknow website

Survivor Groups/Organisations

Future Pathways: set up to allow survivors of in-care abuse in Scotland to access services. This replaced In Care Survivors Service. Tel No 0808 164 2005 (weekdays 10am – 6pm) website: www.future-pathways.co.uk
National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): offers advice and referral to support services. Support line: 0808 801 0331 (Mon- Thurs 10am – 9pm, Fri 10am – 6pm)
Trauma Counselling Line Scotland: confidential telephone counselling.  Tel No 08088 020 406 (Mon- Wed 2 – 6pm, Fri 9M – 3PM) WEBSITE: WWW.HEALTH-IN-MIND.ORG.UK
Speak Out Scotland: support services for male survivors in Glasgow. Tel No. 0141 332 9326 website: www.speakoutscotland.org

General Organisations

NSPCC: provides advice and information Helpline: 0808 800 5000 www.nspcc.org.uk
Rape Crisis: offers services to anyone effected by sexual violence
Local: Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis Centre: services include telephone support, face-to-face support, letter and email support, group work and instant messaging support. Tel No 08088 00 00 14 website: www.glasgowclyderapecrisis.org.uk
National: Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline: 08088 01 03 02 (7 days 6pm – midnight) www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Stop It Now! Offers services around support and prevention. Tel No 0131 556 3535 email: scotland@stopitnow.org.uk “