MACSAS (Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors) is an organisation run by and for people who have been sexually abused or exploited by a minister or clergy person either as a child or as an adult within Christian Churches in the UK.
MACSAS is seeking to establish the prevalence of sexual abuse by ministers, clergy and religious within Christian Churches in the UK and the effectiveness of current policies and procedures used within Churches to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation, deal with allegations raised and provide redress for victims. MACSAS is particularly concerned to find out whether victims have been able to report incidents to clergy or minister sexual abuse or exploitation to church authorities and whether they have been offered support, compensation or other forms of restorative justice within their church communities.
The Church of England carried out a past cases review of all reports of child abuse by clergy in all Dioceses in England & Wales in 2008 – 2009 and a report of its findings is due to go before the House of Bishops in February 2010. Four Roman Catholic dioceses within England and Wales have also carried out past case reviews as of January 2010. The full findings of these reviews are not to be made public for fear of adverse reaction. There has been no recognition by Church authority, to date of the prevalence and harm caused by the clergy sexual exploitation and abuse of adults.
MACSAS intends to publish the findings of the 2010 survey, highlighting how allegations of Clergy and Minister sexual abuse/exploitation have been handled by church authorities and the support and redress offered to victims.
The MACSAS Survey 2010 will be conducted throughout 2010 and findings will be published in 2011.
CONFIDENTIALITY
MACSAS will ensure the confidentiality of those who complete this survey. Only MACSAS committee members will be able to view the completed forms and all are survivors of clergy and minister sexual abuse. If you wish tell us the name of the alleged abuser MACSAS can build up a picture of multiple allegations against the minister.
If you would like to receive further details and information from MACSAS or become a member of MACSAS please send your contact details with the completed form or contact us in any of the following ways:
MACSAS CONTACT details: PO Box 46933, London E8 1XA www.macsas.org.uk
Email: macsas1@hotmail.com Helpline: 0800[details] (Tues 1 – 5pm; Weds 6 -9pm)