Recognising Abuse, Neglect, Grooming & Exploitation
Recognising Abuse, Neglect, Grooming & Exploitation
Indicators are prompts to act, not proof on their own.
Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial or discriminatory. Neglect can involve failure to meet basic needs or protect somebody from harm. Exploitation may involve grooming, trafficking, criminal activity, sexual exploitation, forced labour or taking advantage of vulnerability. Staff should focus on observable facts and patterns rather than stereotypes.
Physical or emotional indicators+
Unexplained injuries, flinching, fearfulness, extreme withdrawal, humiliation, threats, controlling behaviour or a person being prevented from speaking for themselves may require attention.
Sexual exploitation or grooming+
Watch for an adult or older person exerting unusual control over a child or vulnerable person, gifts linked to secrecy, pressure to leave with somebody, sexualised behaviour inappropriate to age, or disclosure of unwanted sexual contact.
Financial or criminal exploitation+
A person may be pressured to hand over money, tickets, bank cards, possessions or carry out activity for somebody else. Children and vulnerable adults can also be exploited to transport drugs or stolen property.
Neglect and self-neglect+
Serious lack of care, unsafe living conditions, untreated medical needs or a person being unable to meet basic needs can be safeguarding concerns. In an event setting, dehydration, abandonment or lack of essential medication may also create urgent welfare risk.
A single indicator can have many explanations. Record what you actually see or hear and report the concern so the appropriate person can assess it.
Knowledge check
You notice a child appears frightened whenever one particular adult approaches. What is the best response?
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