Unit 7 - Safeguarding - LO4 - Dealing with disclosures of abuse and suspected abuse Flashcards
What type of people might suspect or be told about abuse?
- Peers
- Family
- Siblings
- Teachers
- Social workers
- Other professionals
- Other members of the public
Why might peers suspect or be told about abuse?
An individual may find it easier to tell one of their peers or friends about being abused because the individual might feel guilty and want to share this with a friend who are likely to believe them and listen to them.
The individual may also find it easier to speak to a friend because they can use their own language and terminology and not worry about how it will sound.
Why might family suspect or be told about abuse?
Family members may be another source of emotional support for an individual being abused.
An individual may turn to a family member they trust and feel comfortable with.
Family members who know the individual well are more likely to notice that the individual’s behaviour has changed and might suspect that abuse is happening.
Why might siblings suspect or be told about abuse?
If the individual has an older sibling who they see as a role model who they look up to can confide in them and tell them about being abused. Some siblings also may notice abuse because they have a close bond and know when something is wrong.
Why might teachers suspect or be told about abuse?
Teachers’ roles involve close monitoring of children’s learning and development, so they may notice when an individual’s behaviour changes.
A student may have a good relationship with one particular teacher and may choose to confide in them.
They may also be found by a teacher when they are upset or anxious and speak to them about being abused.
Why might social workers suspect or be told about abuse?
Social workers are professionals who are qualified and trained to identify evidence to suggest abuse. They may also receive suspicions of abuse from other professionals.
Social workers may also be the first person a young person approaches about being abused. Also, a social worker may have worked with an individual for a long time and identify that something is wrong.
Why might other professionals suspect or be told about abuse?
Professionals may suspect abuse while carrying out their roles. Professionals are trained to identify signs and symptoms and if they come into contact with the individual on a number of occasions they may have noticed deterioration of their health.
In addition, a private appointment may provide the environment where an individual may be more likely to disclose that they are being abused.
Why might other members of the public suspect or be told about abuse?
For example, neighbours, may notice changes in an individual’s behaviour. They may notice they haven’t seen the individual for a long time or the individual has become withdrawn.
How should you deal with suspected abuse?
- Do not ignore the signs
- Ensure the individual is safe
- Report your suspicions to the named person in your workplace
- Keep secure any evidence you have of your suspicions
- Record with full details what you have noticed in the words they used
- Refer your suspicions to another organisation (social services, CQC) if your suspicions are not dealt with seriously
How should you deal with disclosures of abuse?
- Listen to the individual and reassure them that you believe them
- Try not to show shock or disbelief
- Ensure the individual is safe and explain that you will need to pass on the disclosure in confidence
- Report to the named person in your workplace the disclosure of abuse that is happening
- Keep secure any evidence of the abuse
- Record with full details the facts of the disclosure you have been told, in the words used by the individual
- Refer the disclosure to another organisation if required to do so
