Liskeard Salvation Army launches Beacon Church for abuse survivors

Imagine sitting in a pew on a Sunday morning, singing hymns with a smile, while behind your front door you’re living in fear. It’s a reality for far more people than you might think, and a church in Liskeard has decided it’s time to do something about it.

The Salvation Army in Liskeard has officially launched as a Beacon Church, becoming the first of its kind in Devon and Cornwall. The church will serve as a dedicated place of hope, refuge, and recovery for individuals and families facing domestic violence and abuse. It comes in response to a 43% rise in domestic abuse in the Liskeard area since 2020.

A faith-based approach to recovery

The Beacon Church model works alongside The Salvation Army’s Core Recovery churches and is designed specifically to support survivors of domestic abuse in a trauma-informed, faith-based environment.

The Salvation Army’s Family Ministries is partnering with the Christian charity Restored to build a network of churches standing together against domestic abuse. These Beacon Churches are designed to reflect God’s love by offering a safe space and journeying with survivors toward healing, hope and restoration, with each church responding in its own way.

A leader who understands

Teresa Conway, who leads The Salvation Army in Liskeard, is a survivor of domestic abuse herself. She brings personal experience alongside her professional work, understanding the complexities of coercive control, the weaponisation of scripture, and the hidden nature of abuse, particularly within military and church communities.

“The percentage of people experiencing domestic abuse in church is equal to that in wider society, and it probably happens more inside the church, because scripture is weaponised to control,” Teresa said. “We’re not here to fix people. We’re here to listen, to pastor, to educate on what the Bible says about domestic abuse, and to signpost to specialist agencies.”

Teresa explained that the Beacon Church offers closed, anonymous groups to ensure the safety of participants. Many of those who seek help still live with their abusers and have not yet made the choice to leave.

She added: “We are committed to being a light in the community, helping those who feel lost or trapped. By providing a welcoming environment and practical support, we hope to empower individuals to regain control of their lives.”

What the Beacon Church offers

The church will host confidential support groups for both survivors and perpetrators, providing a safe space for open discussion and healing.

Every person who walks through the door will receive a hospitality box, a £25 care package containing toiletries, snacks, a towel, a mindfulness booklet, and a small sloth toy carrying the message: “Be patient, great things take time.” The church estimates needing 60 boxes a year for immediate needs, and up to 450 annually if the work expands to local Houses of Multiple Occupation.

Listening posts will also be set up in local bars and community centres, reaching people who may not feel comfortable visiting a traditional church setting.

Working with others

The Beacon Church will work alongside local authorities, mental health services, and addiction recovery programmes. It also partners with First Light, the British Legion, and local homeless services, signposting survivors to specialist support including safe houses, legal advocacy, and addiction services.

“Together, we can create a network of support that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by those affected by domestic violence,” Teresa said.

Part of a growing network

Deb Juster, Assistant Director of Family Ministries at The Salvation Army, said the launch is an important step in building a nationwide network of churches refusing to stay silent about domestic abuse.

“Restored Beacon Churches are a vital expression of The Salvation Army’s commitment to stand with survivors of domestic abuse and to work towards ensuring our churches are places of safety, compassion and support,” Deb said. “Through our partnership with the Christian charity Restored, we are equipping local Salvation Army faith communities to respond wisely and, in a trauma, informed way to survivors, reflecting God’s heart for justice, healing and hope.”

Across the UK, the Restored Beacon Network currently includes approximately 18 Beacon Churches from various denominations, six of which belong to The Salvation Army, including Sale, Stroud, Ballymoney with Limavady, and Belfast Sydenham. More Salvation Army Beacon Churches are expected to be established in the coming months and years.

How to get in touch

The Salvation Army Liskeard Beacon Church is now open to referrals from local churches, The Lighthouse, hotels, addiction services, and community networks. All groups are closed and anonymised to protect survivors.

Individuals can make contact confidentially through Teresa Conway’s dedicated Salvation Army email address ([email protected]) or mobile phone (07967 596298). The local email address [email protected] is also available. All direct enquiries will be treated with strict confidentiality and sensitivity.

To learn more about The Salvation Army in Liskeard and its programmes, or to donate towards their community efforts, visit their website.