The media attention on Church of England abuse and the impact it has on the survivors of church abuse

Reports of non-recent child sex abuse in the Church of England often appear in the media but there has been a lot more attention on it since the 2019 IICSA enquiry investigation into concerns about the extent to which the church protected children from sexual abuse in the past and the effectiveness of their safeguarding arrangements in place at that time.  

It is recognised that the survivors of child sex abuse often attempt to cope through cognitive avoidance by not thinking about the abuse and avoiding situations that remind them of their abuse. 

The survivors of abuse often describe being triggered to think about their own abuse and becoming distressed by items about abuse on the news or in television shows. 

In recent months alone, the main headlines in the news have related to the abuse by John Smith,  the cover up which led to the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury in November 2024, the retirement a few weeks ago of the Bishop of Liverpool following allegations of sexual harassment  and the ongoing controversy relating to the Archbishop of York and safeguarding concerns in relation to David Tudor and the appointment of the Bishop of Liverpool.    

I also understand that over the last year there has been a high profile story in the popular soap  Eastenders about sexual abuse by a church official which triggered one of my own clients to disclose his own abuse.   

Although these reports and stories rightly highlight the history of child sex abuse and the failures in safeguarding by the church, they also trigger the survivors who are forced to think about their own abuse which can cause a deterioration in their mental health.   

This can be exacerbated in the survivors of church abuse because of their understandable moral outrage at the broader institution of the church. Their thoughts of betrayal by authority figures can deepen their symptoms and their anger can be intensified by their fears that the church has not learnt its lessons.  

Jordans solicitors are acting on behalf of vulnerable children and young adults whom it is alleged were sexually abused faith institutions. 

Compensation is a small step towards taking control of your life and getting the justice you deserve.

We understand how difficult it can be for you to talk about the abuse you suffered during your childhood. That’s why our specially trained child abuse solicitors work closely alongside psychologists and barristers to support you both emotionally and legally.

Justice for child abuse survivors should be accessible no matter how long ago it happened. That’s why we fought for a landmark change in the law, which allows an abuse claim to be brought before a court regardless of when it took place.

If you want to discuss the options that are open to you, please contact our specialist Abuse Team at Jordans Solicitors