INDICATORS OF ABUSE ARE NOT FACTS
It is important to stress that no one indicator should be seen as conclusive in itself of abuse; it may indeed indicate conditions other than child abuse. A cluster or pattern of signs is likely to be more indicative of abuse. Signs must also be considered in the child’s social and family context as child abuse is not restricted to any socio economic group, gender or culture. It is important to always be open to alternative explanations for possible physical or behavioural signs of abuse.
INDICATORS OF ABUSE ARE NOT FACTS
It is important to stress that no one indicator should be seen as conclusive in itself of abuse; it may indeed indicate conditions other than child abuse. A cluster or pattern of signs is likely to be more indicative of abuse. Signs must also be considered in the child’s social and family context as child abuse is not restricted to any socio economic group, gender or culture. It is important to always be open to alternative explanations for possible physical or behavioural signs of abuse.
DIRECTLY
Specific verbal statements about what happened to them.
INDIRECTLY
Verbal statements without a clear statement, which suggests something is wrong.
NON-VERBALLY
Writing letters, drawing pictures or trying to communicate in other ways. Writing letters, drawing pictures or trying to communicate in other ways. Writing letters, drawing pictures or trying to communicate in other ways.
This is the responsibility of all organisations to make sure their staff, operations, and programmes do no harm to children – do not expose children to the risk of harm and abuse, and any concerns about children’s safety within the communities they work in are reported to the appropriate authorities.