Beacon Church launched in Liskeard to support survivors of domestic abuse

The Salvation Army in Liskeard has officially launched as a Beacon Church – the first in Devon and Cornwall - a dedicated place of hope, refuge, and recovery for individuals and families facing domestic violence and abuse. The initiative responds to a *43% increase in domestic abuse in the Liskeard area since 2020. 

The Beacon Church model, which works alongside the Salvation Army’s Core Recovery churches, is specifically designed 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 churches are called Beacons, designed to reflect God’s love by offering a safe space and journeying with survivors toward healing, hope and restoration. Each Beacon Church responds in its own way.

Teresa Conway, who leads The Salvation Army in Liskeard, says 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.

Teresa brings both personal and professional experience to the role. A survivor of domestic abuse herself – she understands the complexities of coercive control, the weaponisation of scripture, and the hidden nature of abuse, particularly within military and church communities.

A place of safety and support

Teresa, who has extensive experience working with vulnerable populations, emphasises the church’s dual focus: offering immediate assistance to survivors while also addressing the root causes of domestic abuse, including addiction and mental health issues.

“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.”

Deb Juster, the Assistant Director of Family Ministries at The Salvation Army said the launch of the Restored Beacon Church at Liskeard Salvation Army is an important step in building a nationwide network of churches that refuse to be silent about domestic abuse and are prepared to walk alongside survivors on their recovery journey.

Deb said, “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. 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.”

Key features of the Beacon Church

• Confidential Support Groups: The church will host closed support groups for both survivors and perpetrators, ensuring a safe space for open discussion and healing.
• Hospitality Boxes: Every individual who arrives will receive a hospitality box, which is a £25 care package containing toiletries, snacks, a towel, a mindfulness booklet, and a small sloth toy with the message: “Be patient, great things take time.” Each survivor who comes through the door receives one. The church estimates needing 60 boxes a year for immediate needs, and up to 450 annually if expanded to local Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
• Listening Posts: The Beacon Church will also establish listening posts in local bars and community centres, reaching out to those who may not feel comfortable visiting a traditional church setting. This initiative aims to foster relationships and provide support in familiar environments.

A collaborative approach

The Salvation Army recognises that effective support requires collaboration. The Beacon Church will work alongside local authorities, mental health services, and addiction recovery programmes to ensure comprehensive care for its members.

The Beacon Church also works closely with other agencies, including First Light, the British Legion, and local homeless services, to signpost survivors to specialist support such as safe houses, legal advocacy, and addiction services.

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.

Yes, individuals can get in touch confidentially. Direct, private contact is available through the restored website, or via Teresa Conway’s dedicated Salvation Army email address (Teresa.Conway@salvationarmy.org.uk) and mobile phone (07967596298). Alternatively, individuals can use the local Liskeard Salvation Army email address: liskeard@salvationarmy.org.uk. All direct enquiries will be treated with strict confidentiality and sensitivity.

Across the UK, the Restored Beacon Network currently includes approximately 18 Beacon Churches from various denominations, six of which belong to The Salvation Army. These include Sale, Stroud, Ballymoney with Limavady, and Belfast Sydenham. With ongoing conversations among churches interested in becoming Beacons, a number of new Salvation Army Beacon Churches are expected to be established over the coming months and years.

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

* statistics as revealed by Safer Cornwall