LO4: understand how to deal with suspected abuse and disclosures of abuse
People who might suspect or be told about abuse
Peers
An individual may find it easier to tell one of their friends about their abuse. A reason could be
that the individual may feel guilty and therefore may want to tell a friend who is likely to believe
them. The individual may also find it easier to speak to their friends because they can use their
own language without being judged.
Family
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 may be more likely to notice if their behaviour has changed.
Siblings
An individual may also be likely to tell a sibling about being abused, especially if they have an
older sibling they can confide in. Some siblings may suspect when something is wrong.
Teachers
The role of a teacher involves closely monitoring childrens and young people's learning and
development so they may notice when an individual's behaviour changes and suspect that
something is wrong. A student may have a good relationship with a teacher and may choose to
confide in them. They may be found by a teacher when they are upset or anxious.
Social workers
Social workers are professionals who are quality to identify evidence that an individual is being
abused. They may receive suspicions of abuse from teachers, GPs or school nurses. For some
young people, a social worker may be their only contact they can talk to about being abused.
Other professionals
Professionals such as doctors, nurses and health visitors may suspect abuse while carrying out
their responsibilities. Like social workers, they have also been trained to idpotential abuse signsf
abuse. If they frequently come into contact with the individual they may notice a deterioration in
their health and wellbeing. A private appointment may give the right environment where
individuals feel safe to disclose abuse.
Other members of the public
Other members of the public, such as neighbours, may notice changes within an individual's
behaviour or if the individual is behaving in an unusual way. They may notice that the individual
has been withdrawn and do not come outside as often. A neighbour may also hear verbal abuse
or shouting from the individual's house and may become concerned.
How to deal with disclosures of abuse and suspected abuse
People who might suspect or be told about abuse
Peers
An individual may find it easier to tell one of their friends about their abuse. A reason could be
that the individual may feel guilty and therefore may want to tell a friend who is likely to believe
them. The individual may also find it easier to speak to their friends because they can use their
own language without being judged.
Family
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 may be more likely to notice if their behaviour has changed.
Siblings
An individual may also be likely to tell a sibling about being abused, especially if they have an
older sibling they can confide in. Some siblings may suspect when something is wrong.
Teachers
The role of a teacher involves closely monitoring childrens and young people's learning and
development so they may notice when an individual's behaviour changes and suspect that
something is wrong. A student may have a good relationship with a teacher and may choose to
confide in them. They may be found by a teacher when they are upset or anxious.
Social workers
Social workers are professionals who are quality to identify evidence that an individual is being
abused. They may receive suspicions of abuse from teachers, GPs or school nurses. For some
young people, a social worker may be their only contact they can talk to about being abused.
Other professionals
Professionals such as doctors, nurses and health visitors may suspect abuse while carrying out
their responsibilities. Like social workers, they have also been trained to idpotential abuse signsf
abuse. If they frequently come into contact with the individual they may notice a deterioration in
their health and wellbeing. A private appointment may give the right environment where
individuals feel safe to disclose abuse.
Other members of the public
Other members of the public, such as neighbours, may notice changes within an individual's
behaviour or if the individual is behaving in an unusual way. They may notice that the individual
has been withdrawn and do not come outside as often. A neighbour may also hear verbal abuse
or shouting from the individual's house and may become concerned.
How to deal with disclosures of abuse and suspected abuse
