Safeguarding is a term used in the United Kingdom and Ireland to denote measures to protect the health, well-being and human rights of individuals, which allow people — especially children, young people and vulnerable adults — to live free from abuse, harm and neglect.
In order to recognize abuse & neglect you need to know how it is defined. What count as abuse and what doesn’t? Explain your thoughts….
Abuse is a maltreatment of a child. There are four types of abuse : Physical abuse Emotional abuse Sexual abuse Neglect
We just defined abuse as the maltreatment of a child but What is a child? A child is defined as a boy or girl under the age of 18 years. Please note: unborn children also need to be protected from ‘Abuse’
There are two ways abuse can be perpetrated: Through Commission Through Omission
Sexually assaulting a child Failing to provide a shelter Hitting a child Fabricating symptoms of illness in a child Failing to provide adequate food Not ensuring adequate supervision
When dealing with abuse, it is helpful to: Be aware of the main types of abuse Know exactly what you are expected to do and what you are not expected to do if you suspect abuse.
A form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.
It is sometimes difficult to know if an injury is caused by an accident or someone has deliberately hurt a child. There are number of things to consider when deciding this. The following factors may alert you to the possibility of an accidental injury There maybe a delay by parents or carers seeking medical help or medical help may have not been sought at all.
It is sometimes difficult to know if an injury is caused by an accident or someone has deliberately hurt a child. There are number of things to consider when deciding this. The following factors may alert you to the possibility of an accidental injury An account of accident maybe vague or maybe vary from one telling to another.
It is sometimes difficult to know if an injury is caused by an accident or someone has deliberately hurt a child. There are number of things to consider when deciding this. The following factors may alert you to the possibility of an accidental injury There maybe no explanation for the injury.
It is sometimes difficult to know if an injury is caused by an accident or someone has deliberately hurt a child. There are number of things to consider when deciding this. The following factors may alert you to the possibility of an accidental injury The child may not be allowed to tell you the story.
• Bruises – on the top of the ear, the neck, the abdomen, back and buttocks. • Cluster of bruises on upper arms, outside of the thigh. • Burns or scalds – cigarette burns • Bite marks • Maybe aggressive to others or opposite withdrawn .
In fabricated or induced illness, The parent may present the child as ill when they are healthy. Deliberately induce symptoms of illness Manipulate test results, or exaggerate or lie about symptoms.
If you suspect abuse: Talk to your manager or safeguarding lead Keep accurate records.
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. 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.
• Displaying inappropriate behavior. • Uses sexual language. • Itching or bruising in vaginal area. • a child whose play and language indicates a sexual knowledge beyond his/her years.
Self harm Sexually Possible Local transmitted symptoms trauma/infecti infection/preg of sexually on nancy abuse Inappropriate Emotional sexual effects behavior/ knowledge
It may involve conveying to a child 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.
An adult, parent or carer refuses to acknowledge the child’s worth and needs; for example, telling the child : “I wish you had never been born”
An adult cuts the child off from normal social experiences and contacts, preventing the child from making friendships and making the child believe he/she is alone in the world.
An adult might make/ encourage a child to engage in anti social behavior, such as stealing or vandalism.
The child may witness domestic abuse between adults or of other children.
An adult verbally abuses the child, creating a climate of fear. The child is bullied ( including cyber bullying) and frightened by the adult or other young person and is made to believe the world is hostile and dangerous. The child is never sure what the adult’s response will be to something they do or say.
An adult deprives the child of essential stimulation and responsiveness, stifling emotional growth and intellectual development.
An example of inappropriate examples would be a ten year old child being regularly expected to care to care for younger siblings.
• Child may have low self esteem. • Unable to trust adult. • Avoids eye contact • Frequently upset • Plays on their own • Low empathy • Doesn’t join in activities • Can be aggressive to others
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