Topic 5: PEOPLE WHO MIGHT SUSPECT OR BE TOLD ABOUT ABUSE + HOW TO DEAL WITH DISCLOSURES OF ABUSE AND SUSPECTED ABUSE Flashcards
What does it mean to disclose abuse?
When someone tells another individual or authorative figure about the abuse that they suspect or have been told about.
What does it mean to suspect abuse?
Believing that something is the case without sufficient evidence
Who is likely to suspect abuse? (x7)
Peers Family Siblings Teachers Social workers Other members of the public Medical professionals
Why is a friend more likely to be told about abuse?
Because they are in no position of authority
They share an equal relationship
An individual will be more confident that their friend will believe them and listen to them
Find it easier to speak to this person
Why might an individual be more likely to disclose to their family about being abused?
Because they have known them since birth so are more likely to trust and feel comfortable with them
Why might an individual feel more comfortable confiding in their siblings about the abuse?
Because of a shared close family bond
They may look up to them and share a close bond with them.
Why might someone disclose to a teacher about abuse?
Because they form a relationship of trust with the children they care for making children more likely to disclose it to them.
Why might someone disclose abuse to a social worker
Because they work with young people for a long time enabling them to get to know them well enough to suspect abuse when it happens. They often get notified of concerns by others as well.
How might other members of the public suspect abuse?
If they have regular contact with the individual for example, a next door neighbour or shop assistant, they might notice long term symptoms of abuse such as someone becoming withdrawn or not visiting somewhere as often.
Why might medical professionals suspect abuse?
Because they have been trained to spot signs and symptoms of being abused. They may notice these when they conduct health visits or when they conduct a GP appointment.
What are the four key steps that must be followed when abuse is suspected or disclosed
Report it (Duty to report)
Do not delay
Report appropriately
Following the reporting procedures
How do you respond to disclosures or suspicions of abuse?
Support and comfort
Don’t judge the individual who reported it or suspected it
Maintain confidentiality by not disclosing the situation to others except the dedicated safeguard lead
Protect yourself by getting support for your wellbeing and protecting your safety.
What to do where you suspect abuse… (x6)
- Do not ignore the signs of an individual who is more at risk
- Ensure an individual is safe
- Report your or others suspicions to the named person
- Keep any evidence you have of your suspicions secure
- Record with full details the facts of what you have noticed or seen or what others have told you and in their words
- Forward your suspicions to external organisations if your one is not taking your concerns seriously
What to do when abuse is disclosed to you… (x6)
- Listen and reassure the individual that you believe them
- Make sure the individual is safe and explain what you’ll have to do
- Report the disclosure to the named person in your workplace
- Keep any evidence of the abuse secure
- Record with all the details the facts of the disclosure that was made using the words of the individual
- Refer the disclosure to external organisations if not being taken seriously
