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A key skill when managing disclosure is active listening. This makes those who are disclosing feel they are being listened to and are being taken seriously.
Active listening requires listeners to:
Ensure that the disclosure is taking place in a confidential place where the person disclosing feels safe. Keep confidentiality and only disclose information to those who need to know (e.g., the Designated Safeguarding Officer).
It is good practice to write notes during this meeting of what the person is saying or as soon as it is over while your memory is still fresh. Make a note of their body language or any signs and symptoms. Do not include your opinion in your report.
Do not:
We would emphasise here that only those who have had training and expertise should interview children or adults with disabilities as this requires professional skill.
This may include trained social workers, police officers, psychologists and paediatricians.
Safeguarding leads need to carefully consider how to manage disclosure so that survivors are not re-traumatised by the experience. For example, such interviews should take place with a trusted adult (of the survivor’s choosing) in the room to support them.
Before you move on to the next section, based on the information you have seen on managing disclosure, consider what action you could take to ensure that this good practice is included in your organisational safeguarding procedures.
Want to find out more?
This Safeguarding VR activity provides an opportunity to put yourself in the position of the person managing disclosure of sexual abuse.