6.5 How can you embed this approach across case management?
What you say in an initial response is critical to reassuring someone they have done the right thing in coming forward with their disclosure – but it is not the only part of the system you need to focus on.
Activity: Why is embedding a victim or survivor-centred approach across case management important?
Study the table below and for each aspect, write down why you think it is important. You can reveal our thoughts at the end.
Aspect of a victim or survivor-centred approach | Learner reflections on why it is important |
|---|---|
Establishing and promoting safe and accessible reporting mechanisms. | |
Responding sensitively, quickly, and effectively to reported concerns. | |
Having staff who understand the impact of trauma and abuse on individuals. | |
Building in support to victims at all stages of the case management process. | |
Undertaking confidential and respectful investigations. | |
Keeping victims updated and informed on progress and outcome and next steps. | |
Valuing and seeking to learn from the experiences of victims. |
Comment
Aspect of a victim or survivor-centred approach | Our answers |
|---|---|
Establishing and promoting safe and accessible reporting mechanisms. | If mechanisms are safe and accessible, people are more likely to disclose their abuse. |
Responding sensitively, quickly, and effectively to reported concerns. | People who have experienced abuse should not be subject to delays, or a poor process. This can add to their trauma. |
Having staff who understand the impact of trauma and abuse on individuals. | Supporting victims of abuse requires specialist knowledge and insight to do it well. |
Building in support to victims at all stages of the case management process. | Trauma doesn’t end with disclosure – the process of reporting and investigation can be just as traumatic, and victims need proper support. |
Undertaking confidential and respectful investigations. | Keeping information confidential and only sharing on a need-to-know basis is really important to preserve privacy. |
Keeping victims updated and informed on progress and outcome and next steps. | Victims can feel like they are not being kept up to date, or they feel they are out of control of their case if they are not kept informed of progress. This can add to their trauma. |
Valuing and seeking to learn from the experiences of victims. | Those with lived experience are experts on their own experience and can help you shape a stronger system. |
Some parts of the case management system may need to be adjusted to be more victim and survivor-centred and to reduce the chances of
- Making sure that your processes do not require someone making a disclosure to repeat the details of their account to several other people.
- Providing safeguarding training and support for staff, to be able to receive a disclosure.
- Ensuring your disciplinary hearing process does not include the accused person being given the opportunity to question or cross-examine all witnesses – as this raises the possibility of a victim being re-traumatised, or effectively re-abused by their alleged abuser, during the procedure.
 |
A victim-centred approach |
It is really important to do everything you can to place the experience and feelings of the victim at the heart of your processes. |
Next, you explore how to work alongside people with lived experience of abuse in improving your systems.
6.4 What is the appropriate response when someone discloses their abuse?
