Wales LOUDfence event

Archbishop Mark O’Toole and the Safeguarding Department of the Catholic Archdioceses of Cardiff - Menevia 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.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday October 19th, starting at noon with Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Mark in St David’s Church, St David’s Place, Swansea. This will be followed by light refreshments in the Church Hall and an opportunity for networking and for those who would like it, to access appropriate support. For those who might experience discomfort in the cathedral there is a neutral room without ecclesiastical décor available.

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.

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.

Background to LOUDfence

LOUDfence originated in Australia as a solidarity movement in 2015. Here in the UK, it has become a survivor support and reconciliation movement, led by Antonia Sobocki in Cumbria since 2020. LOUDfence has now spread to other organisations, leading to events being held across the UK including in Plymouth, Northampton, Birmingham, as well as Lourdes and Paris in France, Rome and now is being adopted by faith communities in the USA.

Our LOUDfence event in Swansea

Throughout our event, members of the Safeguarding Team, clergy and laity will be offering a listening ear, support and guidance to survivors and anyone with concerns about abuse in any context.

All are welcome and invited!