St Germaine Cousin (1579-1601) is a Patron Saint of all Victims and Survivors of Child Physical Abuse and Neglect and is one of our ‘Safeguarding Saints’.

Born near Toulouse, France, from childhood she worked as a shepherdess. Germaine bore her physical disabilities and stepmother’s cruel mistreatment with patience and took comfort in a close spiritual relationship with Our Lord and His Blessed Mother. More than two centuries after her death, aged only 22, she was eventually canonised in 1854.  In addition to her intercession being invoked as a Patron of those suffering abuse and neglect as children, St Germaine Cousin is also Patron of those who have been abandoned, the sick, the disabled, people who feel to be physically unattractive and those who suffer owing to poverty, illness or the loss of parents.

Read her story HERE.

If you have information of a safeguarding nature where a child or adult at risk is in immediate danger or requires immediate medical attention call emergency services on 999. Diocese of Leeds Safeguarding can be contacted in confidence by email via Safeguarding@dioceseofleeds.org.uk or speak to our Safeguarding Team on 0113 2618046. Anyone who brings concerns or allegations to the notice of the Church will be responded to sensitively, respectfully and seriously. All concerns and allegations will be addressed using the Church’s national procedures and in a timely manner. The Catholic Safeguarding Standard Agency (CSSA) can also be contacted on 0207 901 1920 or via email at admin@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk

A copy of our current Safeguarding Communications Plan is also available on the Safeguarding website.

Safeguarding is Everybody’s Business – so EVERYBODY is invited to share their thoughts with us about Safeguarding in the Diocese of Leeds, in confidence, using our website’s Safeguarding Feedback Form!

St Germaine Cousin: pray for us.