Section 2

Recognising and responding appropriately to an allegation or suspicion of abuse

Safeguarding awareness

We (the leadership) are committed to on-going safeguarding training and development opportunities for all workers, developing a culture of awareness of safeguarding issues to help protect everyone. All our workers will receive induction training and undertake recognised safeguarding training on a regular basis using 31:8 resources.

We will also ensure that children and vulnerable adults are provided with information on where to get help and advice in relation to abuse, discrimination, bullying or any other matter where they have a concern.

Understanding abuse and neglect

Defining child abuse or abuse against a vulnerable adult is a difficult and complex issue. A person may abuse by inflicting harm, or failing to prevent harm. Children and adults in need of protection may be abused within a family, an institution or a community setting. Very often the abuser is known or in a trusted relationship with the child or vulnerable adult.

Definitions of abuse

Children

What is abuse and neglect?

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger for example, via the internet. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.

The four definitions of abuse below operate in England based on the government guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children (2010)’.

Physical abuse
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.

Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development.
It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

• provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment)
• protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger
• ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers)
• ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment

It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

Adults

The following definition of abuse is laid down in ‘No Secrets: Guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse’ (Department of Health 2000):

‘Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. In giving substance to that statement, however, consideration needs to be given to a number of factors:

Abuse may consist of a single act or repeated acts. It may be physical, verbal or psychological, it may be an act of neglect or an omission to act, or it may occur when a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter into a financial or sexual transaction to which he or she has not consented, or cannot consent. Abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of, the person subjected to it’.

Physical Abuse
This is the infliction of pain or physical injury, which is either caused deliberately, or through lack of care.

Sexual Abuse
This is the involvement in sexual activities to which the person has not consented or does not truly comprehend and so cannot give informed consent, or where the other party is in a position of trust, power or authority and uses this to override or overcome lack of consent.

Psychological or Emotional Abuse
These are acts or behaviour, which cause mental distress, anguish or negates the wishes of the vulnerable adult. It is also behaviour that has a harmful effect on the vulnerable adult’s emotional health and development or any other form of mental cruelty.

Financial or Material Abuse
This is the inappropriate use, misappropriation, embezzlement or theft of money, property or possessions.

Neglect or Act of Omission
This is the repeated deprivation of assistance that the vulnerable adult needs for important activities of daily living, including the failure to intervene in behaviour which is dangerous to the vulnerable adult or to others. A vulnerable person may be suffering from neglect when their general well-being or development is impaired.

Discriminatory Abuse
This is the inappropriate treatment of a vulnerable adult because of their age, gender, race, religion, cultural background, sexuality, disability etc. Discriminatory abuse exists when values, beliefs or culture result in a misuse of power that denies opportunity to some groups or individuals. Discriminatory abuse links to all other forms of abuse.

Institutional Abuse
This is the mistreatment or abuse of a vulnerable adult by a regime or individuals within an institution (e.g. hospital or care home) or in the community. It can be through repeated acts of poor or inadequate care and neglect or poor professional practice.

How to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse

Children

Sexual Abuse

• Being overly affectionate or knowledgeable in a sexual way inappropriate to the child’s age
• Medical problems such as chronic itching, pain in the genitals, venereal diseases
• Other extreme reactions, such as depression, self-mutilation, suicide attempts, running away, overdoses, anorexia
• Personality changes such as becoming insecure or clinging
• Regressing to younger behaviour patterns such as thumb sucking or bringing out discarded cuddly toys
• Sudden loss of appetite or compulsive eating
• Being isolated or withdrawn
• Inability to concentrate
• Lack of trust or fear of someone they know well, such as not wanting to be alone with a babysitter or child minder
• Starting to wet again, day or night/nightmares
• Become worried about clothing being removed
• Suddenly drawing sexually explicit pictures
• Trying to be ‘ultra-good’ or perfect; overreacting to criticism

Physical Abuse

• Unexplained recurrent injuries or burns
• Improbable excuses or refusal to explain injuries
• Wearing clothes to cover injuries, even in hot weather
• Refusal to undress for gym
• Bald patches
• Chronic running away
• Fear of medical help or examination
• Self-destructive tendencies
• Aggression towards others
• Fear of physical contact – shrinking back if touched
• Admitting that they are punished, but the punishment is excessive (such as a child being beaten every night to ‘make him study’)
• Fear of suspected abuser being contacted

Emotional Abuse

• Physical, mental and emotional development lags
• Sudden speech disorders
• Continual self-depreciation (‘I’m stupid, ugly, worthless, etc.’)
• Overreaction to mistakes
• Extreme fear of any new situation
• Inappropriate response to pain (‘I deserve this’)
• Neurotic behaviour (rocking, hair twisting, self-mutilation)
• Extremes of passivity or aggression

Neglect

• Constant hunger
• Poor personal hygiene
• Constant tiredness
• Poor state of clothing
• Emaciation
• Untreated medical problems
• No social relationships
• Compulsive scavenging
• Destructive tendencies
  Note: A child may be subjected to a combination of different kinds of abuse.
  It is also possible that a child may show no outward signs and hide what is happening from everyone

Adults

Possible Indicators of Physical Abuse

• Multiple bruising
• Fractures
• Burns
• Bed sores
• Fear
• Depression
• Unexplained weight loss
• Assault (can be intentional or reckless)

Possible Indicators of Sexual Abuse

• Loss of sleep
• Unexpected or unexplained change in behaviour
• Bruising
• Soreness around the genitals
• Torn, stained or bloody underwear
• A preoccupation with anything sexual
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Pregnancy
• Rape
• Indecent Assault

Possible Indicators of Emotional Abuse

• Fear
• Depression
• Confusion
• Loss of sleep
• Unexpected or unexplained change in behaviour
• Deprivation of liberty could be false imprisonment. Aggressive shouting causing fear of violence in a public place may be an offence against Public Order Act 1986, or harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997

Possible Indicators of Financial Abuse

• Unexplained withdrawals from the bank
• Unusual activity in the bank accounts
• Unpaid bills
• Unexplained shortage of money
• Reluctance on the part of the person with responsibility for the funds to provide basic food and clothes etc.
• Fraud
• Theft

Possible Indicators of Neglect

• Malnutrition
• Untreated medical problems
• Bed sores
• Confusion
• Over-sedation
• Deprivation of meals may constitute “willful neglect”

Discriminatory abuse

• Inappropriate remarks, comments or lack of respect
• Poor quality or avoidance of care

Possible Indicators of Institutional Abuse

• Inflexible and non-negotiable systems and routines
• Lack of consideration of dietary requirements
• Name calling; inappropriate ways of addressing people
• Lack of adequate physical care – an unkempt appearance

How to respond to a disclosure of abuse
Ensure the physical environment is welcoming, giving opportunity for the child or vulnerable adult to talk in private but making sure others are aware the conversation is taking place.

• It is especially important to allow time and space for the person to talk
• Above everything else listen without interrupting
• Be attentive and look at them whilst they are speaking
• Show acceptance of what they say (however unlikely the story may sound) by reflecting back words or short phrases they have used
• Try to remain calm, even if on the inside you are feeling something different
• Be honest and don’t make promises you can’t keep regarding confidentiality
• If they decide not to tell you after all, accept their decision but let them know that you are always ready to listen.
• Use language that is age appropriate and, for those with disabilities, ensure there is someone available who understands sign language, Braille etc.

Helpful responses

• You have done the right thing in telling
• I am glad you have told me
• I will try to help you

Don’t say:

• Why didn’t you tell anyone before?
• I can’t believe it!
• Are you sure this is true?
• Why? How? When? Who? Where?
• I am shocked, don’t tell anyone else

How to respond to an allegation/suspicion of abuse
Under no circumstances should a worker carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse. Following procedures as below:

• The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse should report concerns as soon as possible to Emily Bridges (hereafter the “Safeguarding Officer”) who is nominated by the leadership to act on their behalf in dealing with the allegation or suspicion of neglect or abuse, including referring the matter on to the statutory authorities. Email: safeguarding@hullvineyard.co.uk or contact via the church office.
• In the absence of the Safeguarding Officer or, if the suspicions in any way involve the Safeguarding Officer, then the report should be made to Janice Farley or James Harley (hereafter the “Deputies”) via the church office.
• If the suspicions implicate both the Safeguarding Officer and the Deputies, then the report should be made in the first instance to the Thirtyone:eight (31:8) PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ tel: 0303 003 1111. Alternatively contact Social Services or the Police.
• If the suspicions implicate both the Safeguarding Officer and the Deputies, then the report should be made in the first instance to the Thirtyone:eight (31:8) PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ tel: 0303 003 1111. Alternatively contact Social Services or the Police.
• Suspicions must not be discussed with anyone other than those nominated above. A written record of the concerns should be made in accordance with these procedures and kept in a secure place.
• Whilst allegations or suspicions of abuse will normally be reported to the Safeguarding Officer, the absence of the Safeguarding Officer or Deputy should not delay referral to the Safeguarding Teams or taking advice from 31:8.

The role of the Safeguarding Officer/Deputy is to collate and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and pass this information on to statutory agencies that have a legal duty to investigate.

Safeguarding Officer/Deputy’s response where there is a concern about a child
If a child has a physical injury, a symptom of neglect or where there are concerns about emotional abuse, the Safeguarding Officer/Deputy will:

• Contact Children’s Social Services (or 31:8) for advice in cases of deliberate injury, if concerned about a child’s safety or if a child is afraid to return home.
• Not tell the parents or carers unless advised to do so
• Seek medical help if needed urgently, informing the doctor of any suspicions.
• For lesser concerns, encourage parent/carer to seek help, but not if this places the child at risk of significant harm.
• Where the parent/carer is unwilling to seek help, offer to accompany them. In cases of real concern, if they still fail to act, contact Children’s Social Services direct for advice.
• Seek and follow advice given by 31:8 if unsure whether or not to refer a case to Children’s Social Services.

In the event of allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse, the Safeguarding Officer/Deputy will:

• Contact the Local Children’s Safeguarding Board (LCSB) direct. They will NOT speak to the parent/carer or anyone else.
• Seek and follow the advice given by 31:8 if unsure whether or not to contact LCSB.

Safeguarding Officer/Deputy’s response where there is a concern about an adult in need of protection
If a vulnerable adult has a physical injury or symptom of sexual abuse the Safeguarding Officer/Deputy will:

• Discuss any concerns with the individual themselves giving due regard to their autonomy, privacy and rights to lead an independent life.
• If the vulnerable adult is in immediate danger or has sustained a serious injury contact the Emergency Services, informing them of any suspicions.
• For advice contact the Adult Social Care Vulnerable Adults Team. Alternatively 31:8 can be contacted for advice.

We will support the Safeguarding Officer/Deputy in their role, and accept that any information they may have in their possession will be shared in a strictly limited way on a need to know basis.

It is, of course, the right of any individual as a citizen to make a direct referral to the safeguarding agencies or seek advice from 31:8, although we hope that members of the place of church will use this procedure. If, however, the individual with the concern feels that the Safeguarding Officer/Deputy has not responded appropriately, or if they have a disagreement with the Safeguarding Officer(s) as to the appropriateness of a referral they are free to contact an outside agency direct.

Accusation/allegations against a person who works with children
If an accusation is made against a worker (whether a volunteer or member of staff), whilst following the procedure outlined above, the Safeguarding Officer, in accordance with Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures, will liaise with Children’s Social Services in regards to the suspension of the worker, also making a referral to a Safeguarding Adviser (SA) / Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

Communicating with VCUKI National Safeguarding Team (NST)
The NST are available for support and guidance. Any Level 2 or 3 incidents (abuse within the church or by leadership away from the church) should be reported to them at safeguarding@vcuki.org.uk or 01482 462690.