Archbishop Mark O’Toole and the Safeguarding Departments of the Catholic Dioceses of Cardiff and Menevia would like to invite you to our LOUDfence event in Swansea. The aims of this event are to raise awareness of abuse and acknowledge the harm it causes to individuals, families and communities, whilst offering an opportunity for all, of all faiths and none, to join together, in solidarity, and show their support to all those affected by abuse.
St Davids Priory Swansea – Saturday 19th October. Mass will commence at midday followed by refreshments in the church hall.
What is LOUDfence?
- LOUDfence, is a survivor-led initiative, which gives a voice to all those who have experienced abuse within a faith-based setting or have been affected by it, although it is open to everyone.
- LOUDfence provides an opportunity for reflection on the times the Church and wider society has failed victims/survivors of abuse and to say we are truly sorry.
- It calls us to commit ourselves to doing our utmost to be a place which is safe for all people.
- LOUDfence is a process which aids gradual culture transformation through celebrating the virtues we hold valuable.
- LOUDfence raises awareness in the community and in institutions, challenging the silence and shame which surrounds the issue of abuse.
- LOUDfence seeks to support the survivor and validate their worth by celebrating the act of speaking out and truth telling.
- What happens at a LOUDfence event? The main focus of a LOUDfence event is the tying brightly coloured (LOUD) ribbons and messages of support in public spaces, often on railings/ fences, to show support to ALL victims/ survivors of abuse. All are welcome and invited to tie ribbons and messages of support for survivors to the railings and/or to the dedicated LOUDfence tree inside the church, both on the day of the event or during the following week.
