How to respond to disclosures of abuse

When someone tells us about the harm or abuse they have experienced we might worry that we don’t know what to do, or that we might make things worse. How we respond can make all the difference between a victim or survivor feeling supported and empowered, or silenced and further hurt.

Depending on your role, your responsibility for reporting concerns may vary, but whatever your role this guide will equip you with what steps to follow. 

Centre Victims and Survivors

Before addressing how to handle an allegation, it’s crucial to remember that the victim or survivor is and should remain the central focus. Often, their well-being can be overlooked once a disclosure is made, with attention shifting to investigations and procedures. However, it's important to keep the person at the heart of the process, as they have shown great courage in speaking out. They now need choice, a voice, and ongoing support. Thirtyone:eight recommends that organisations ensure victims and survivors are prioritised throughout, with clear policies on how victims will be communicated with throughout the process, how regularly, by whom, and what they can do if that doesn’t happen. 

A guide to responding to allegations:

1. Listen Carefully and Calmly

Stay calm: If a child, young person, or adult discloses abuse to you, remain calm and composed. Inwardly you may feel shaken, which is normal and OK. But your outward response should reassure the person that they are believed and that they did the right thing in sharing their experience. Listen, don’t probe: Allow the person to talk at their own pace. Don’t ask leading or intrusive questions that could compromise the investigation. Only ask open-ended questions like, "Can you tell me more about what happened?"

Do not promise confidentiality: Make it clear that, while you respect their privacy, you have a responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being. Explain that you may need to share the information with relevant authorities to protect them or others.

2. Reassure the Person

Validate their feelings: Reassure the person that what happened is not their fault and that they are not to blame. Many victims of abuse feel shame or guilt, so it's important to offer emotional reassurance.

Thank them for disclosing: Acknowledge the courage it took to speak out. Let them know they have done the right thing by sharing what has happened.

3. Ensure the Person’s Immediate Safety

Safety first: If the person is in immediate danger, take steps to ensure their safety before continuing the conversation. This may involve removing them from the situation or providing a safe space.

Alert authorities if necessary: If there is an immediate risk of harm, or if a child or vulnerable adult is at risk, contact emergency services (call 999 in the UK) straight away.

4. Record the Disclosure

Make notes immediately: As soon as possible, write down everything the person has said (preferably while the conversation is still fresh in your mind). Record the date, time, and place of the disclosure. Avoid editing or altering your notes, as these may be used as evidence if the matter is reported to authorities.

Do not make judgments: Simply record the facts as they are stated by the person. Avoid offering your own opinions or interpretations.

Use the person's own words: Be careful to accurately record their language, as this can be important in any future investigation.

5. Report the Disclosure

Follow your organisation’s safeguarding procedures: Every organisation should have a designated Safeguarding Officer or Safeguarding Lead. Immediately report the disclosure to the designated person, who will know the correct procedures for reporting to external authorities.

Contact statutory authorities: In most cases, the disclosure will need to be reported to relevant statutory authorities (e.g. social services or the police). The Safeguarding Officer will usually take responsibility for making this report.

Do not investigate: You are not expected to investigate the claim yourself. It is the responsibility of the appropriate authorities to investigate the disclosure. Do not speak to the person whom the allegation is against. Avoid attempting to "follow up" on the disclosure beyond what is required for safeguarding purposes. And follow the advice of statutory authorities at all time. Designated safeguarding leads may have to follow different advice depending on the situation. We advise people in those roles to complete our Safeguarding Leads training.

6. Support the Person Making the Disclosure

Provide emotional support: After the disclosure, continue to offer support to the person. They may need time and space to process the experience, and they should not be left feeling isolated. Make sure they know who to talk to and when to expect updates.

Refer to appropriate services: If the person needs further support, such as counselling or victim support services, refer them to the appropriate services, like NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), Victim Support, or local child protection services.

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Respect confidentiality: Outside of those who need to know, such as statutory agencies and the safeguarding team, do not discuss the details of the disclosure with anyone. Sharing information irresponsibly can harm the investigation and potentially place others at risk.

Follow GDPR and safeguarding protocols: Any records or details of the disclosure must be stored securely in line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the church's safeguarding policies.

8. Work with Authorities

Cooperate with investigations: If the matter is reported to statutory agencies, such as the police or children’s services, work closely with them throughout the process. They may need access to your notes or records as part of the investigation.

Protect the privacy of the person disclosing: Always ensure that the person’s privacy and dignity are maintained throughout the process.

9. Review and Reflect

Review safeguarding procedures: After the disclosure has been handled, it is important for the church leadership to reflect on how the situation was managed, review their safeguarding policies and procedures, and make improvements where necessary.

Provide ongoing support to the person: Even after the initial disclosure is made, continue to offer emotional and pastoral support to the individual who disclosed the abuse, while maintaining confidentiality.

Key Points to Remember:

• Prioritise the safety and welfare of the person.
• Do not investigate or attempt to question the person further.
• Immediately report to the designated Safeguarding Officer and authorities.
• Follow the organisation’s safeguarding policy at all times and know the reporting chain.
• Respect confidentiality throughout the process, sharing details only with those who need to know.

Conclusion:

When a victim or survivor discloses abuse, our response can significantly impact their healing and sense of safety. By remaining calm, listening carefully, and prioritising their well-being, we empower them to regain control over their experience. Ultimately, the role of anyone involved in responding to such disclosures is to ensure that victims and survivors feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the process. By doing so, we can help create a safer environment where individuals can begin to heal and seek justice.