Who We Are
Safe in Faith is a project of Caritas Westminster working to support survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and exploitation in ways that understand how their faith impacts their experiences. Although we are a Catholic organisation, based in the values of Catholic Social Teaching we work with people of all different faiths.
The project grew out of the Domestic Abuse Working Group of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, as well as work of Caritas Westminster and the National Board of Catholic Women.
Mission
To provide faith based support and counselling to anyone who has been affected by domestic abuse and who would benefit from a faith informed approach.
Vision
Understanding that faith can impact people’s experiences of domestic abuse and that there is a need for faith informed support.
The work of Safe in Faith is based on the following principles:
Principles
Safety-Focused
Safety is always the first priority.
Survivor-Focused
The needs of victims and survivors are always the focus of this work. People with lived experience guide the development of Safe in Faith.
Trauma-Informed
All support is rooted in a deep understanding of trauma, and the needs of people who have been traumatised.
Gender-Informed
We support victims and survivors of any gender but we also understand that women are disproportionately and differently impacted by domestic abuse.
Intersectional
We understand that experiences of individual abuse intersect with experiences of social oppression like racism, ableism or homophobia.
Inclusive
We work to create a safe and welcoming space for people of any religious racial or cultural background, and for people of any sexual or gender identity.