For many survivors of abuse connected to the Church of England, the word redress can feel unfamiliar, or even uncomfortable. It may raise questions, uncertainty, or concern about what it really involves and whether it is the right step.

Redress is not about forcing anyone to revisit painful experiences before they are ready. At its heart, it is about recognition, accountability, and support.

This guide explains what redress means, how it differs from going to court, and what it may offer survivors and their families.

Understanding redress in simple terms

Redress is a process designed to acknowledge harm and its lasting impact, while offering practical and emotional support without the need for a court case.

The Church of England Redress Scheme is being introduced to provide survivors of abuse with:

• Recognition of what happened
• Acknowledgement of responsibility
• Access to support and compensation
• A process that avoids the adversarial nature of court proceedings

For many survivors, redress can feel like a step towards being heard and believed, often for the first time.

Redress is about more than compensation

While financial support can form part of a redress scheme, it is not the whole picture, and it is rarely the most important part for survivors.

Redress may include:

• A financial payment recognising the harm caused
• Access to therapy, counselling, or other specialist support
• A written apology or acknowledgment
• Practical measures tailored to the survivor’s needs

Crucially, redress is not about putting a value on someone’s experience. It is about recognising that harm occurred and that it has real, lasting consequences.

How redress differs from going to court

Many survivors worry that seeking redress means facing a legal battle or being cross-examined. That is not how redress schemes are intended to work.

Unlike a civil court claim:

• Redress does not usually involve attending court
• The process is designed to be less formal and less adversarial
• Survivors are not required to “prove” their experience in the same way
• The focus is on recognition and support, not blame or defence

For some survivors, redress feels like a more accessible and less daunting option. For others, a civil claim may still be appropriate. The choice always remains with the individual.

Who is redress for?

The Church of England redress scheme is designed for people who experienced abuse connected to the Church of England, including:

• Sexual, physical, emotional, or psychological abuse
• Abuse by clergy, church officials, or in church-run settings
• Historic or non-recent abuse
• Survivors who never reported the abuse at the time

There are also two pathways for eligibility:

1. Close connection – where the abuse is connected to a Church role the person was authorised to undertake
2. Failure to act – where someone in the Church knew about a risk but failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it

In some circumstances, families may also be able to engage with the process, particularly where a survivor has died or needs support navigating their options.

If you are unsure whether your experience “counts”, that uncertainty is common and it should never stop you from seeking confidential advice.

Taking things at your own pace

There is no right or wrong time to seek information about redress.

Some survivors want to understand their options as soon as the scheme is announced. Others may need months or years before they feel ready to explore what support is available. Both are completely valid.

Seeking information does not mean committing to a claim. It simply means learning what choices exist, so that you can make decisions when, and if, the time feels right.

Support and advice can help

You do not have to navigate redress alone.

While it is not always necessary to have a solicitor to engage with a redress scheme, many survivors find that specialist, trauma-informed legal advice helps them:

• Understand what redress could involve
• Feel supported and protected throughout the process
• Ensure their voice is heard respectfully
• Explore all available options, without pressure

The Church of England scheme provides funding for legal support of up to £5,000 if needed. Any conversation should be confidential, sensitive, and guided by what feels right for you.

You are not alone

For survivors of Church of England abuse, redress represents an attempt, however imperfect, to acknowledge past failures and provide meaningful support.

If you are considering whether redress is right for you, or supporting a loved one, speaking to someone who understands both the legal landscape and the emotional impact of abuse can make a real difference.

When you are ready, support is available and you deserve to be listened to with care, dignity, and respect.

To speak to one of our religious and church abuse claims specialists about your situation in confidence or for more information on the Church of England Redress Scheme, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.