When we receive a disclosure of abuse (when a child tells us about abuse that they are experiencing) the way we respond matters. Here are a few guiding principles:

Do:

• Try to keep a calm disposition
• Give them time to talk
• Assure them they have done the right thing
• Tell them what will happen next (including any urgent action to protect them from harm)
• Record the details as soon as possible afterwards
• Where possible quote key words and phrases used, placing them in “quotation marks”
• Pass the details to your DSL ASAP

Do not:

• Promise confidentiality
• Question the truthfulness of what they say (even unintentionally)
• Investigate or ask leading questions
• Promise everything will be OK