6.4 What is the appropriate response when someone discloses their abuse?
Being victim or survivor-centred, starts with how you respond to cases of abuse. Although it is rare that you will hear about abuse through a direct disclosure by the victim, it is important to understand the basic principles of responding to this type of situation.
Remember that it takes courage and trust for anyone to tell someone else about experiences that feel painful, humiliating, or frightening.
Often abusers will have convinced their victim that they are equally responsible for what happened or threatened them that they will not be believed, or they will be harmed if they do tell someone what happened.
This can all form part of the grooming process outlined in Course 2 Session 3 [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .
Understanding this and making sure it informs your response to someone who has experienced abuse can have a hugely positive impact on their wellbeing – including how well they recover from their trauma.
Activity: Identify the appropriate responses to someone who discloses abuse
Imagine a child has approached you and described having been emotionally and physically abused by someone trusted within the sport. Remember it is important to approach every report with an open mind as each case will have different circumstances.
Read the eleven responses below. Decide for each one whether you think the response is appropriate in this situation. Think about why you answered this way.
a.
Yes
b.
No
The correct answer is b.
b.
This could reinforce feelings of self-disgust or guilt and will likely result in the victim not disclosing further
a.
Yes
b.
No
The correct answer is a.
a.
It provides reassurance to the child and validates their disclosure.
a.
Yes
b.
No
The correct answer is a.
a.
This is seeking permission and gives some control back to the individual – and it is important that you retain the key points.
a.
Yes
b.
No
The correct answer is b.
b.
You will need to tell someone else. However, you can explain that the information will only be shared with people who will be able to help.
a.
Yes
b.
No
The correct answer is a.
a.
This is an
a.
Yes
b.
No
The correct answer is b.
b.
This appears to be challenging and doubting the person’s account – and promoting the abuser as a good person.
a.
Yes
b.
No
The correct answer is a.
a.
This is another positive message about taking action to help the individual.
a.
Yes
b.
No
The correct answer is b.
b.
It is really important that victims are included and informed about the process, so they do not feel they have lost control of their own case.
a.
Yes
b.
No
The correct answer is b.
b.
It is not acceptable to make someone repeat their disclosure – nor to introduce a colleague to record what is said. The victim has chosen you to disclose, so you should listen carefully and do your best to record as much as possible at the same time.
a.
Yes
b.
No
The correct answer is a.
a.
This is an honest explanation of what you will do and why.
a.
Yes
b.
No
The correct answer is a.
a.
This helps victims keep a sense of control, and also helps them be prepared for what happens next.
Comment
A victim or survivor-centred approach means doing everything you can to reassure and support the person disclosing. This includes being honest about what you will be required to do (for example, pass the details on) for them to get the support they need.
You have learned how to be more victim or survivor-centred in your initial response. Next, you explore how to embed this approach across all your case management practice.
6.3 What is a victim or survivor-centred approach?
