Online Privacy

1.1 Introduction

Refer to the Multi-Agency Code of Practice Section 2 and 3, 'defining who is at risk'.

There is no textbook list of signs and signals. Being alert to abuse means:

• Thinking about what you see and asking if it is acceptable practice.
• Taking seriously what you are told.
• Responding to the stresses behind requests for help or other presenting problems.
• Being alert to signals or non-verbal communication or challenging behaviour, and aware this could indicate unacceptable practice is being deliberately hidden or denied.

1.2 Responding to Disclosure

Many incidents of abuse only come to light because the abused person discloses the information himself or herself.

The abused person may not understand that they are being abused and so not realise the significance of what they are telling you. Some disclosures happen many years after the abuse. There may be good reasons for this for example the person they were afraid of has left the setting. Therefore, any delay in an individual reporting an incident should not cast doubt on its truthfulness.

When someone discloses to you, remember you are not investigating.

Do:

• Stay calm and try not to show shock.
• Listen very carefully.
• Be sympathetic.
• Be aware of the possibility that medical evidence might be needed.
• Tell the person that:
• They did a good/right thing in telling you.
• You are treating the information seriously.
• It was not their fault.
• Explain that you must tell your Line Manager and, with their consent, the manager will contact Social Services, Health and Police. The manager will, in specific circumstances, contact Social Services without their consent but their wishes will be made clear throughout.
• If a referral is made but the vulnerable adult is reluctant to continue with an investigation, record this and bring this to the attention of the Adult Protection Co-ordinator. This will enable a discussion of how best to support and protect the vulnerable adult. However, a professional case discussion still need to take place and should be recorded appropriately.

Do not:

• Press the person for more details.
• Promise to keep secrets (you can never keep this kind of information confidential).
• Pass on the information to anyone other than those with a legitimate "need to know", such as your Line Manager.
• Make promises you cannot keep (such as, "I will never let this happen to you again").
• Contact the alleged abuser.
• Be judgmental (for example, "Why didn’t you run away?").
• Gossip about abuse.
• Stop someone when they are telling you what has happened to them, as they may never tell you again.

You must:

• Make a note of what the person actually said, using his or her own words and phrases.
• Describe the circumstance in which the disclosure came about.
• Note the setting and anyone else who was there at the time.
• When appropriate use a body map to indicate the location of cuts, bruises and for abrasions, noting the colour of any bruising.
• Make sure the information you write is factual. You may wish to indicate your own opinion or a third party’s information. If you do, ensure the separation is made very clear.
• Use a pen or biro with black ink so that the report can be photocopied. Try to keep your writing clear.
• Sign and date the report, noting the time and location.

Be aware that your report may be needed later as part of a legal action or disciplinary procedure.