Safeguarding Pack

Keeping sisters safe.

Chayil reaches women carrying real wounds — trauma, abuse, addiction, suicidal thoughts, domestic violence. Safeguarding is not optional. It is how we love. Read this pack carefully and re-read it quarterly.

Our safeguarding promise

Every woman who steps into Chayil deserves a safe, confidential, well-supported space. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility — mentors, leaders, hosts, volunteers, and admins.

We do not handle safeguarding alone. We escalate to designated Chayil Leaders, and where required, to statutory services.

Recognising risk — what to look for

Talk of suicide, self-harm, not wanting to be here, or 'people would be better off without me'.
Disclosure of abuse — physical, sexual, emotional, financial, coercive control.
A child or vulnerable adult in danger.
Signs of domestic abuse: fear of partner, unexplained injuries, isolation, controlling messages.
Active addiction with loss of control.
Eating disorders, severe self-neglect.
Sudden withdrawal, giving away possessions, finalising affairs.

How to respond in the moment

Stay calm. Don't react with shock — your face is her safety.
Listen. Believe her. Don't interrogate.
Affirm courage: 'Thank you for telling me.'
Do not promise secrecy. Say: 'I will need to share this with my Chayil Leader so we can keep you safe.'
If she is in immediate danger, call 999 with her, or for her if she cannot.
Write down what was said (her words, not your interpretation), date, time, location.
Escalate the same day.

How to escalate inside Chayil

From the mentor app, open the sister's record and use 'Escalate to Response Centre'.
Describe the concern factually. Use her words where possible.
A Chayil Leader is automatically notified and assigned.
High-risk wall posts are auto-hidden and routed to the Unified Inbox — leaders see them within minutes.
Never handle a critical safeguarding situation alone.

UK emergency & support contacts

Emergency (life at risk): 999
Non-emergency police: 101
NHS urgent mental health: 111 (press 2)
Samaritans (24/7, free): 116 123
Refuge — National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7, free): 0808 2000 247
Rape Crisis (24/7, free): 0808 500 2222
NSPCC (concern about a child): 0808 800 5000
FRANK (drugs/addiction): 0300 123 6600

After escalation

Continue to walk with her as her mentor — do not disappear. The Chayil Leader will guide what role you play next, what to share, and how to support without overstepping.

Look after yourself. Hearing hard stories is heavy. Talk to your Chayil Leader. Pray. Rest. You cannot pour from an empty cup.