Police Pagan Association Launches National Safeguarding Partnership with Pagan and Heathen Organisations

The Police Pagan Association (PPA) has launched a new national safeguarding partnership with Pagan and Heathen organisations across the UK, supporting proactive community protection and contributing to national efforts to reduce violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The partnership brings together Pagan and Heathen organisations to strengthen safeguarding practice, share emerging community concerns, and increase confidence in responding to harm within religious and community spaces. It also supports wider policing priorities by improving understanding of Pagan and Heathen communities and encouraging early, appropriate intervention.

Organisations currently participating include:

• The Druid Network
• Confederation of Heathen Kindreds
• Asatru UK
• Children of Artemis
• The Pagan Federation

Further organisations are in active discussion, with additional groups expected to join as the partnership develops.

A Proactive, Confidence-Building Approach to Safeguarding

The partnership reflects a deliberate shift from reactive safeguarding responses toward a preventative, community-led model. A central aim is to help Pagan and Heathen organisations feel more confident using their safeguarding policies within a changing safeguarding landscape.

By increasing clarity, shared understanding, and practical confidence, the partnership supports communities to play a more effective role in preventing and addressing violence against women and girls, alongside other safeguarding concerns.

The work focuses on recognising and responding to risks including:

• Sexual abuse
• Organisational and religious abuse
• Coercion and control
• Harassment and hate incidents
• Risks linked to power, leadership, and vulnerability

Participating organisations are invited to sign the PPA’s Safer Pagan Spaces Pledge, confirming their commitment to safeguarding, accountability, and the protection of women and girls.

The PPA is also working with an experienced safeguarding trainer to deliver free additional, tailored safeguarding training focused specifically on Pagan and Heathen religious and community spaces. This training complements existing statutory safeguarding training already in place within organisations, helping leaders and safeguarding leads apply those frameworks confidently within their own cultural and religious contexts.

Supporting National Policing Priorities

Reducing violence against women and girls remains a core national policing priority. This initiative supports that aim by strengthening safeguarding awareness within faith and belief communities, improving reporting confidence, and encouraging early intervention.

By working collaboratively with community organisations, the PPA helps ensure safeguarding concerns can be raised safely, barriers to reporting are reduced, and culturally informed responses are available. The work also supports police officers and staff by improving understanding of Pagan and Heathen beliefs, practices, and community dynamics.