It is important that the following categories of concerns are recognised and responded to:

Bullying – is the ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.

Child-related Concerns – relate to the safety and wellbeing of a child or young person (under 18), concerns of adult behaviour that is inappropriate with or in the presence of a child, children displaying harmful sexualised behaviours.

Data Breach – is when personal information is accessed, disclosed without authorisation, or is lost.

Discrimination – occurs when a person is discriminated against in the workplace and in certain areas of public life because of their age, race, sex, disability, religion, or other protected attributes.

Domestic and Family Violence – is violence between family members, which can include violence between current or former intimate partners, as well as acts of violence between a parent and a child, between siblings, and more.

Harassment – occurs when a person is harassed against in the workplace and in certain areas of public life because of their of age, race, sex, disability, religion, or other protected attributes.

Reportable Conduct – is concerns relating to the conduct of those who are on staff, work with children and young people or who volunteer in church.

Sexual Harassment or Assault – includes unwelcome conduct which is either of a sexual nature, or which is directed at an individual because of that individual’s sex.

Power Imbalance – is where certain conduct that may not otherwise cross boundaries, however due to the role, age, relationship between people, there is a power imbalance. This is particularly relevant to those in pastoral leadership or management positions.

Violence – is behaviour that is intentional, unwanted, inappropriate, and harmful this includes coercion, intimidation, physical violence, sexual violence or assault and threats.

Workplace Health & Safety – relates to physical and mental health and safety in the workplace.

Other – there may be other genuine concerns, that you may not be sure who to ask for assistance with.

Response Required

All concerns falling into these categories should be reported to a Safe Church representative, by emailing safechurch@voicechurch.com.au.

Still unsure if your concern needs to be reported?

Make contact with us. We can help you navigate through.