Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety, privacy, and wellbeing of all members of Reclaim Together, an online peer-support space for women recovering from coercive control and other forms of domestic abuse.

2. Our Principles

We are committed to:

Creating a safe, non-judgemental, supportive environment.
Protecting members’ personal information and privacy.
Preventing contact from abusers or unsafe individuals.
Acting promptly if there are safeguarding concerns.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

All members of Reclaim Together.
All volunteers, facilitators, and guest speakers.
All platforms used by the group (video meetings, chat forums, website).

4. Confidentiality & Privacy

Members may use a pseudonym in group settings.
No screenshots, recordings, or sharing of group content outside the group is allowed.
No sharing of another member’s personal story without their permission.

5. Member Screening & Access

All members must complete an application form before joining.
The group facilitator will review applications and approve entry.
Members may be removed immediately if behaviour breaches this policy.

6. Behaviour Expectations

Respect all members’ boundaries.
Use trigger warnings for discussions about violence, abuse, or suicide.
No unsolicited contact outside of the group without mutual consent.
No harassment, discrimination, or hate speech.

7. Safeguarding Concerns

If a facilitator believes a member is:

At immediate risk of harm, or
Disclosing information that indicates risk to others,
then we may break confidentiality to contact emergency services or safeguarding authorities.

8. How to Raise a Concern

Members can email reclaimtogether1@gmail.com in confidence if they:

Feel unsafe in the group.
Experience harassment from another member.
Have concerns about another member’s wellbeing.

9. Contact Information for Urgent Help

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24/7)
Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
In an emergency: Call 999