It is important to recognise that raising a safeguarding concern can feel daunting and difficult. It is important that we recognise factors that might hinder us from reporting concerns or that might make it difficult to do so. These might include:

• Busyness and time
• Fear
  • Of the perpetrator
  • Of being seen as a trouble maker
  • Of being wrong
  • Of the consequences of being right
• Relationships
  • E.g. “But the’re a lovely parent; I’m sure they would never…”
  • E.g. But they are a really caring member of staff; I can’t believe they would…”
  • Everyone from that family / postcode / street is…”
• Not recognising what is happening as abuse
• Lack of competence or confidence
• Not knowing who to report to or how
• Our own personal values, beliefs or experiences
• Out systems and processes
• Etc