Safeguarding Week

As we commence Safeguarding Week, it's an opportune moment to reflect on our responsibilities and enhance our understanding of safeguarding practices. For nurses and paramedics working in police custody and sexual assault referral centres, recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns is crucial. This blog provides an overview of safeguarding adults and children, different types of abuse, and key issues to be aware of.

Understanding Safeguarding

Safeguarding Adults

Safeguarding adults involves protecting their right to live free from abuse and neglect. This includes any adult (18 years and over) who:

• Has needs for care and support.
• Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect.
• As a result of those needs, is unable to protect themselves from either the risk or experience of abuse or neglect.

The Care Act 2014 sets out six key principles of safeguarding:

1. Empowerment: Supporting people to make their own decisions.
2. Prevention: Acting before harm occurs.
3. Proportionality: Responding appropriately to the risk presented.
4. Protection: Providing support and representation.
5. Partnership: Working with local agencies.
6. Accountability: Transparency in safeguarding practices.

Safeguarding Children

Safeguarding children involves protecting individuals under 18 from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The legal framework includes several key pieces of legislation, such as the Children Act 1989 and 2004, which emphasise the paramount importance of a child's welfare.

Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse

This includes hitting, slapping, pushing, and misuse of medication. In both adults and children, signs may include unexplained injuries, frequent hospital visits, or a history of repeated injuries.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing someone to take part in sexual activities without their consent (or too young to consent). It includes contact and non-contact activities. Indicators might be unexplained bruises, changes in behaviour, or sexually transmitted infections.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse involves causing psychological harm through verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation. Signs include low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and withdrawal.

Neglect

Neglect is the failure to meet basic needs, including food, shelter and medical care. Indicators include poor hygiene, malnutrition, untreated medical issues and frequent absences from school.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse involves the illegal or unauthorised use of a person’s money or property. Signs include sudden changes in financial situation, unpaid bills and unexplained withdrawals.

Self-Neglect

Self-neglect is a form of neglect where an individual fails to attend to their basic needs, such as personal hygiene and health. Indicators include poor personal hygiene, untreated medical conditions and living in unsafe conditions.

Modern Slavery

Modern slavery encompasses human trafficking, forced labor and domestic servitude. Indicators include poor living conditions, few personal possessions and the inability to travel freely.

Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA)

DVA includes psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional abuse by an intimate partner or family member. Recognising DVA involves noticing signs such as unexplained injuries, changes in behaviour and frequent absences from work or social activities.

Key Issues in Safeguarding

Contextual Safeguarding

Contextual safeguarding involves understanding and responding to young people’s experiences beyond their families, such as in their communities, schools and online. Recognising extra-familial threats is crucial, as abuse can occur in various contexts.

Radicalisation

Radicalisation refers to the process by which individuals come to support terrorism. Vulnerable individuals may be targeted by extremists and signs include changes in behaviour, expressing extremist views, and social isolation. The Prevent strategy is a key part of safeguarding in this area.

Information Sharing

Effective information sharing is crucial in safeguarding and overrides all other considerations if the child or adult is at risk of significant harm. The Data Protection Act 2018 supports the sharing of information to protect individuals at risk.

Actions for Healthcare Professionals

Recognise

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Maintain a high level of vigilance and professional curiosity in your interactions with individuals in custody or sexual assault referral centres.

Respond

Take immediate action when you suspect abuse. This includes providing support, documenting concerns, and following organisational protocols for safeguarding.

Record

Maintain accurate and detailed records of any safeguarding concerns. Document observations, actions taken, and decisions made.

Refer

Make referrals to appropriate safeguarding authorities or services. Follow local referral pathways and ensure that all relevant information is included.

Collaboration

Work in partnership with other agencies and professionals to ensure a coordinated response to safeguarding concerns. This includes sharing information and participating in multi-agency meetings.

Safeguarding Resources

• RCN | Safeguarding Professional Resources
• NHS England | Safeguarding
• NHS Learning Hub | Safeguarding Resources & Guidance

Conclusion

Safeguarding is a collective responsibility that requires vigilance, knowledge, and proactive action. As healthcare professionals in police custody and sexual assault referral centres, you play a vital role in protecting some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. During this Safeguarding Week, let’s reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding practices and continue to strive for excellence in protecting those at risk.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to safeguarding.