1. Purpose of this Policy
The Damson Moon Coven is committed to maintaining a respectful, ethical, consensual, & safer spiritual environment for all members & guests.
This safeguarding policy exists to:
- Promote emotional, physical, spiritual, & psychological safety
- Encourage healthy boundaries & informed consent
- Prevent abuse, coercion, manipulation, harassment, & exploitation
- Establish procedures for responding to safeguarding concerns
- Support accountability within Coven spaces
- The Coven acknowledges the importance of power dynamics within spiritual communities & commits to reducing the risk of harm.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- Coven leaders & facilitators
- Initiates, members, & guests
- Online & in-person Coven activities
- Rituals, teaching sessions, social events, retreats, & trips
This policy applies wherever Coven-related activities take place.
3. Core Principles
The Damson Moon Coven is committed to:
- Consent-based spiritual practice
- Respect for autonomy & personal choice
- Clear & ethical boundaries
- Inclusion & non-discrimination
- Accountability for harmful behaviour
- Trauma-aware & compassionate practice
No member should feel pressured into:
- Ritual participation
- Physical touch
- Disclosure of personal experiences
- Sexual or romantic involvement
- Financial contributions beyond agreed arrangements
- Spiritual beliefs or practices that conflict with their wellbeing
4. Safeguarding Risks in Spiritual Communities
The Coven recognises that spiritual groups can involve heightened vulnerability, trust, emotional openness, & power imbalance.
Potential safeguarding risks may include:
- Spiritual manipulation
- Abuse of authority
- Grooming or coercion
- Sexual misconduct
- Emotional dependency
- Isolation from outside support
- Financial exploitation
- Boundary confusion
- Discriminatory or exclusionary behaviour
These behaviours are not acceptable within the Coven.
5. Children & Young People
The Damson Moon Coven is an adult spiritual group.
Individuals under 18 may only attend specific agreed events with explicit permission from Coven leadership & appropriate adult supervision.
Parents or guardians remain responsible for minors at all times.
Any concerns relating to the welfare of a child or young person will be treated seriously & may be referred to safeguarding authorities.
6. Adults at Risk
The Coven acknowledges that members may join while experiencing trauma, grief, mental health difficulties, identity exploration, social isolation, or other vulnerabilities.
Coven leaders & members must:
- Avoid creating unhealthy dependency
- Avoid presenting spiritual guidance as therapy or medical advice
- Encourage external support networks & professional help where appropriate
- Respect members’ rights to pause or leave involvement
The Coven is not a substitute for counselling, mental health care, crisis support, or medical treatment.
7. Consent & Boundaries
Consent is central to all Coven activities.
This includes consent around:
- Ritual participation
- Physical touch
- Energy work
- Photography & recording
- Personal disclosure
- Social media sharing
- Teaching methods
Consent must be:
- Freely given
- Informed
- Ongoing
- Revocable at any time
Silence or lack of resistance does not equal consent.
8. Expected Conduct
Members & guests are expected to:
- Treat others with dignity & respect
- Maintain confidentiality within agreed limits
- Respect personal & spiritual boundaries
- Communicate honestly & appropriately
- Avoid manipulative, coercive, or exploitative behaviour
The following are unacceptable:
- Bullying or intimidation
- Harassment
- Sexual misconduct
- Discrimination or hate speech
- Abuse of spiritual authority
- Coercion or manipulation
- Threats or aggression
- Repeated boundary violations
The Coven reserves the right to suspend or remove individuals whose behaviour compromises community safety.
9. Relationships & Power Dynamics
Coven leaders & experienced members must remain aware of potential power imbalances.
Where relationships develop within the Coven:
- Consent & boundaries must remain clear
- Exploitative or coercive dynamics are not acceptable
- Leadership positions must not be used to pressure or influence others romantically, sexually, financially, or spiritually
Concerns regarding abuse of power will be taken seriously.
10. Confidentiality
Personal disclosures shared within ritual or discussion spaces should be treated respectfully.
However, confidentiality may be broken where:
- Someone is at risk of serious harm
- A child or vulnerable person may be at risk
- Criminal behaviour is disclosed
- Emergency intervention is required
Information will only be shared on a necessary basis.
11. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
Anyone who experiences or witnesses harmful behaviour is encouraged to raise concerns with Coven leadership.
Reports will be:
- Taken seriously
- Listened to respectfully
- Managed as fairly & confidentially as possible
- Responded to proportionately
Leadership may:
- Hold safeguarding discussions
- Set behavioural boundaries
- Restrict participation
- Suspend or remove individuals
- Seek external advice
- Contact emergency services or safeguarding authorities if necessary
12. Online Spaces
Online Coven spaces should remain respectful, supportive, & consent-focused.
The following are prohibited:
- Harassment or bullying
- Sharing confidential information without consent
- Sexual pressure or inappropriate messaging
- Hate speech or discrimination
- Manipulative or controlling behaviour
Moderators may remove content or restrict access where needed.
13. Inclusion & Accessibility
The Damson Moon Coven welcomes people from diverse backgrounds & experiences.
The Coven aims to create an environment that is:
- Inclusive
- Accessible where reasonably possible
- Respectful of different identities & traditions
- Free from discrimination
14. Alcohol & Substances
Where alcohol is present:
- Members remain responsible for their behaviour
- Consent cannot be assumed where someone is intoxicated
- Unsafe behaviour may result in removal from activities
Illegal drug use is not permitted during official Coven activities.
15. Record Keeping
Where safeguarding concerns arise, confidential records may be kept including:
- Date & details of concern
- Actions taken
- Relevant decisions or communications
Records will be stored securely & only accessed when necessary.
16. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner where necessary.
17. Contact
Safeguarding concerns should be raised with Coven leadership through official communication channels, details of which are given to Coven members at time of acceptance.
In emergencies, contact emergency services immediately.
Signed on behalf of the Damson Moon Coven by Lyn O’Callaghan, HPs
14th May 2026