They may be in a relationship of unequal power
DCHS9-3.1 Explain the actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused.
Do…
• Stay calm and try not to show shock or disbelief.
• Listen carefully to what they are saying.
• Be sympathetic (‘I am sorry that this has happened to you’).
• Be aware of the possibility that medical evidence might be needed.
• Tell the person that:
• they did the right thing to tell you
• you are treating the information seriously
• it was not their fault
• you are going to inform the appropriate person
• you/the service will take steps to protect and support them.
• Report to your line manager, senior manager, or to social services or the police.
• At the first opportunity make a note of the disclosure and date and sign your record. You should aim to:
• note what the people actually said, using their own words and phrases
• describe the circumstances in which the disclosure came about
• note the setting and anyone else who was there at the time
• separate factual information from your own opinions.
• use a pen or biro with black ink, so that the report can be photocopied, and be aware that your report may be required later as part of a legal action or disciplinary procedure.
Do not…
• Do not press the person for more details, this will be done at a later date.
• Do not stop someone who is freely recalling significant events, as they may not tell you again.
• Do not promise to keep secrets: you cannot keep this kind of information confidential.
• Do not make promises you cannot keep.
• Do not contact the alleged abuser.
• Do not be judgemental.
• Do not pass on the information to anyone other than those with a legitimate ‘need to know’, such as your line manager or other appropriate person.
DCHS9-3.2 Explain the actions to take if an individual alleges that they are being abused.
DCHS9-3.3 Identify ways to ensure that evidence of abuse is preserved.
DCHS9-4.1 Identify relevant legislation, national policies and local systems that relate to safe-guarding and protection from abuse
DCHS9-4.2 Explain the roles of different agencies in safeguarding and protecting individuals from abuse.
DCHS9-4.3 Identify factors which have featured in reports into serious cases of abuse and ne-glect.
DCHS9-4.4 Identify sources of information and advice about own role in safeguarding and pro-tecting individuals from abuse, including whistle-blowing.
DCHS9-4.5 Identify when to seek support in situations beyond your experience and expertise
DCHS9-5.1 Explain how the likelihood of abuse may be reduced by:
• working with person-centred values
• encouraging active participation
• promoting choice and rights
• supporting individuals with awareness of personal safety.
DCHS9-5.2 Explain the importance of an accessible complaints procedure for reducing the likeli-hood of abuse.
DCHS9-5.3 Outline how the likelihood of abuse can be reduced by managing risk and focusing on prevention.
DCHS9-6.1 Describe unsafe practices that may affect the well-being of individuals.
DCHS9-6.2 Explain the actions to take if unsafe practices have been identified.
DCHS9-6.3 Describe the actions to take if suspected abuse or unsafe practices have been re-ported but nothing has been done in response.
DCHS9-7.1 Describe the potential risks presented by:
• the use of electronic communication devices
• the use of the internet
• the use of social networking sites
• carrying out financial transactions online.
DCHS9-7.2 Explain ways of reducing the risks presented by each of these types of activity.
DCHS9-7.3 Explain the importance of balancing measures for online safety against the benefits to individuals of using electronic systems and devices.
AHP20-1.1 Define ‘mobility’
AHP20-1.2 Explain how different health conditions may affect and be affected by mobility.
AHP20-1.3 Outline the effects that reduced mobility may have on an individual’s well-being.
AHP20-1.4 Describe the benefits of maintaining and improving mobility.
