History and Acknowledgement
Adsafe Ltd (Adsafe) gratefully acknowledges the care, courage and commitment of those who helped shape the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s response to sexual and physical abuse. We especially recognise Pastor David and Cheryl Robertson, whose ministry and service contributed to the development of principles and processes that seek to protect children and vulnerable people within the church community.
Adsafe also gives thanks for the faithful church members who generously offered their expertise, time and support in establishing and strengthening this work.
Development of Safeguarding Services
In the mid to late 1990s, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia and New Zealand became increasingly aware of sexual abuse occurring within the Church. In response, Adventist Support commenced in February 2000 as a dedicated ministry of care, accountability and support.
The following events shaped the Church’s developing ministry response, including safeguarding, survivor services and risk management.
Summary of Key Events
Date |
Event |
| 2000 | Adventist Support commences |
| 2003 (Dec) | NSW Supreme Court Judgement |
| 2004 | Policies and procedures reviewed |
| 2005 | Appointment of external firm to conduct investigations |
| 2006 | Service Name changed to 'Safe Place Services' & Safe Place Committee model proposed for Local Conferences |
| 2008 | Platform of policies reviewed |
| 2009 | Targeting of investigations to employee/appointed volunteers |
| 2010 | Targeting of investigations to child-related cases |
| 2012 | Australian Government announces a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (Australian Royal Commission) |
| 2013 (Jan) | Australian Royal Commission commenced |
| 2017 (Feb) | Adsafe Ltd (Adsafe) commenced operations in Australia and New Zealand |
| 2017 (Dec) | Australian Royal Commission concluded |
| 2018 | New Zealand established its Abuse in Care Royal Commission |
| 2018-2019 | The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia and New Zealand publish an apology to survivors of institutional abuse. |
| 2021-2023 | Adsafe Ltd operations in the South Pacific |
Establishment of Adsafe
Following the Australian Royal Commission, internal review findings and investigation recommendations, Church administrators recognised the need for stronger prevention and response services, clearer structures and a more consistent model of care across the Church. Additionally, in March 2018 and August 2019, the Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders in Australia and New Zealand, respectively, publicly issued an apology to survivors.
Adsafe was established as an independent company, funded by the Division, the two Union Conferences, and their respective Conferences, to support safer church communities through professional practice, pastoral sensitivity and accountable service.
Scope of Operations
Adsafe provides safeguarding prevention and response services for children and vulnerable adults where sexual or physical abuse has been perpetrated by a denominational worker or volunteer within a Seventh-day Adventist Church or entity in Australia and New Zealand.
Adsafe has served the Church in Australia and New Zealand since 1 February 2017.
More information about child and vulnerable adult safeguarding outside Australia and New Zealand can be found on the Adsafe South Pacific website.
Explore further to find out more about us and our purpose, values and vision.