News roundup: April 2020
Here are our top safeguarding stories from April 2020. To access or view the full articles click on the link embedded in the title:
Thirtyone:eight in the news:
Christian safeguarding group named best UK charity to work for
Thirtyone:eight was named overall best charity to work for by Third Sector, a publication about charity work, and the Best Companies Group, who rank the quality of teamwork in all kinds of industries.
News headlines:
New safeguarding bishop recalls childhood abuse
The resurfacing, after 50 years, of the “pain, hurt, and anger” of childhood trauma was what led the Bishop of Huddersfield, Dr Jonathan Gibbs, to accept the position of lead safeguarding bishop, he has said. Dr Gibbs has taken over safeguarding duties from the Bishop of Bath & Wells, the Rt Revd Peter Hancock. He said his first priority would be for the Church to have a “more fully survivor-centred approach” to safeguarding.
George Pell: Court quashes cardinal's sexual abuse conviction
Cardinal George Pell has been freed from jail after Australia's highest court overturned his conviction for child sexual abuse. However, Australia’s child abuse royal commission found Mr Pell was aware of children being sexually abused within the Archdiocese of Ballarat by notorious paedophile priest Gerald Ridsdale and it was “implausible” that other senior church figures did not tell Pell abuse was occurring.
Coronavirus: Domestic abuse calls up 25% since lockdown, charity says
The National Domestic Abuse helpline has seen a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help since the lockdown, the charity Refuge says. Campaigners have warned the restrictions could heighten domestic tensions and cut off escape routes. The charity said pressure on other services and awareness campaigns could have also led to the increase.
Zoom meetings targeted by abuse footage sharers
Investigations are under way after at least three Zoom meetings were infiltrated by people sharing footage of children being sexually abused. The case has been referred to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, which is part of the National Crime Agency (NCA). The videoconferencing app Zoom has come under fresh high-level scrutiny as its popularity soars during the coronavirus pandemic.