What should you do if you suspect abuse?
What should you do if you suspect abuse?
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected then doing nothing is not an option. You should follow the safeguarding policy in place at your pharmacy.
If the child is in immediate danger, it may be necessary to contact the police.
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Note: It is your responsibility to report your suspicions but not to investigate. Any action you take could have an impact on any formal investigation that takes place.
✔ Do
- ✔ Talk to the child in a confidential area of the pharmacy, consider your own safety and follow your chaperone policy if appropriate.
- ✔ Reassure the child that they are doing the right thing.
- ✔ Allow the child to describe their concerns in their own words.
- ✔ Ask open questions so you don’t lead the conversation.
- ✔ Document what the child tells you in their own words and the date and time they tell you.
- ✔ Discuss your concerns with the pharmacist/designated safeguarding lead.
- ✔ Keep confidential information secure.
- ✔ Follow your pharmacy’s safeguarding policy.
✖ Don't
- ✖ Place yourself or anyone else in danger.
- ✖ Be judgemental.
- ✖ Make promises you cannot keep such as telling the child you will keep the information to yourself and not tell anyone.
- ✖ Ask detailed or probing questions.
- ✖ Paraphrase or ask the child to sign the document (this has legal ramifications).
- ✖ Discuss the incident with anyone apart from the pharmacist or designated safeguarding lead especially not the person alleged to have caused harm.
- ✖ Leave detailed information on answer machines or where it can be seen e.g. on counter tops.
- ✖ Conduct your own investigation including: Interfere with, or contaminate potential evidence following physical or sexual assault, for example, by washing, sheet changing, teeth cleaning etc. Questioning witnesses except to obtain basic information. Attempt to influence or intimidate potential witnesses.