Recognising and Reporting Abuse

What is abuse?

Child abuse is not easy to recognise, prevent or stop and is a very difficult subject to deal with, especially when you know the child or family. Child abuse can take many forms:

physical abuse
sexual abuse
emotional abuse
neglect

Not all forms of abuse have visible signs and this can make recognising abuse difficult. Even when a child has been injured it can be difficult for members of the public to know how those injuries have been caused.

Protecting children is everyone's responsibility. If you are concerned that a child is being abused or appears unhappy act now using the contact numbers provided below.

How to report abuse

Contact the Front Door on 01926 414144. Lines are open Monday to Thursday 8am - 5.30pm, Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm.

If you need to get in touch out of usual office hours, please contact the Emergency Duty Team immediately on 01926 886922

If you think that a child is at immediate risk, contact the police immediately by dialling 999.

What happens next?

You will receive a confirmation within 24 hours.

We will check the referral to see what action to take. We speak to the parents and professionals that know the child to see if they also have concerns.

We then decide whether:

the child is not at risk so no action is required
another service can give support if social care do not need to be involved
there are serious concerns so we need to do an assessment.

Most assessments take 10 days but can take up to 35 days. The child’s family will be involved in this.

If the assessment shows a child needs our support, we will put a plan in place. Most children stay at home with their family while we support them to work on the plan. We will only take a child away from home if necessary.

Can I remain anonymous?

Yes however, if you are a member of the public wishing to remain anonymous about your concerns, we cannot tell you the outcome of next actions as this is confidential.

Effects of abuse and neglect

Child abuse, especially when it continues over a long period, can have major effects on a child's health, development and well-being. Sustained abuse has a deep impact on a child's self image and self esteem lasting into their adult lives.

Evidence and the accounts of adults that have been abused as children show that it can have damaging effects on an adult's ability to make and sustain close relationships and their ability to develop the necessary skills and attitudes to be a good parent.

In extreme circumstances child abuse can result in death or serious or permanent injury.

Talking to someone

If you have a concern, you can talk to someone in confidence by contacting the NSPCC helpline or Childline:

NSPCC Helpline - provides help and support to parents, professionals and families either by phone or online.

Telephone 0808 800 5000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Childline - a free 24-hour helpline for children and young people.

Telephone: 0800 1111
Textphone service: 0800 400222 (for children who are deaf or find using a regular phone difficult)

This video gives a great example of certain warning signs that should not be ignored. It is a subtle yet powerful video from Sandwell Council, showing the importance of reporting a Safeguarding concern, even if you don't think it is your business or concern.

To watch the full video click below:

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