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<p>On 15th March 2017 the Church of England’s House of Bishops published “Responding
Well to Domestic Abuse: Policy and Practice Guidance”, which urges church communities
to address the issue of domestic abuse and raise awareness of its impact on adults
and children. The document can be seen at: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/media/3896806/responding-well-to-domestic-abuse-2017.pdf%20"
target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/media/3896806/responding-well-to-domestic-abuse-2017.pdf
</a></p><p>The updated practice guidance and policy encourages churches to become
places of safety where domestic abuse is taken seriously, survivors are believed and
respected, and alleged or known perpetrators challenged. The updated document reflects
legislative and other changes since guidance was last issued in 2006.</p><p>Under
the policy Church leaders and Officers working with children, young people and vulnerable
adults will be expected to undergo domestic abuse training, with the issue being raised
in appropriate contexts within church life including youth groups, marriage preparation
and ordinand training. They will also be expected to work closely with statutory and
other specialist organisations.</p><p>In the House of Lords this session bishops supported
the passage of the Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence
(Ratification of Convention) Bill.</p>
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