What to do if there are suspicians of abuse
2.1 and 2.2: What to do if there are suspicions or if someone alleges they are being abused
Recognise
Recognise the signs and symptoms or believe what you are told
Respond
Comfort - warm and caring
Reassure the person that you believe them and that it is not their fault/they are in no way to blame
Do not promise that you will keep it secret (may need to pass on to help them, important not to say one thing and do another) but only to people who need to know and will help
Protect the individual – ensure they are in a safe place and protected from any further possibility of abuse
Medical assistance if required
Report
Report the allegation immediately to a senior colleague (manager or named safeguarding lead)
May have formal referral procedures or may make initial verbal referral
Record
Preserve any evidence
Try to remember as much as you can – listen carefully
Full written report as soon as possible after the event including everything you observed, everything you have been told, any previous concerns you may have had, what has raised your concerns on this occasion
Accurate and factual
Make clear what you have actually seen and what is hearsay.
Do not ask leading questions
Refer
You may need to make a referral to another agency
2.3 Identify ways to ensure that evidence of abuse is preserved
If this is a potential crime scene, must be very careful not to destroy any potential evidence.
• Do not clear up or wash or clean any part of the room or area in which the alleged abuse took place
• Don’t disturb the scene, clothing or victim
• Don’t remove anything (e.g. clothing, bedding)
• Do not allow victim to wash, bathe, brush hair or teeth etc)
• Secure the scene (e.g. lock the door)
• Preserve other potential evidence (e.g. documents) by locking them away
• Keep other people out of the area
• Get advice from the police if in doubt
Bear in mind that any medical treatment is a priority and must be provided immediately
Recognise
Recognise the signs and symptoms or believe what you are told
Respond
Comfort - warm and caring
Reassure the person that you believe them and that it is not their fault/they are in no way to blame
Do not promise that you will keep it secret (may need to pass on to help them, important not to say one thing and do another) but only to people who need to know and will help
Protect the individual – ensure they are in a safe place and protected from any further possibility of abuse
Medical assistance if required
Report
Report the allegation immediately to a senior colleague (manager or named safeguarding lead)
May have formal referral procedures or may make initial verbal referral
Record
Preserve any evidence
Try to remember as much as you can – listen carefully
Full written report as soon as possible after the event including everything you observed, everything you have been told, any previous concerns you may have had, what has raised your concerns on this occasion
Accurate and factual
Make clear what you have actually seen and what is hearsay.
Do not ask leading questions
Refer
You may need to make a referral to another agency
2.3 Identify ways to ensure that evidence of abuse is preserved
If this is a potential crime scene, must be very careful not to destroy any potential evidence.
• Do not clear up or wash or clean any part of the room or area in which the alleged abuse took place
• Don’t disturb the scene, clothing or victim
• Don’t remove anything (e.g. clothing, bedding)
• Do not allow victim to wash, bathe, brush hair or teeth etc)
• Secure the scene (e.g. lock the door)
• Preserve other potential evidence (e.g. documents) by locking them away
• Keep other people out of the area
• Get advice from the police if in doubt
Bear in mind that any medical treatment is a priority and must be provided immediately