Signs and Indicators – 4. Signs and indicators
While training courses typically categorise indicators according to the five types of abuse, it’s important to understand that these signs often overlap between categories. Your primary responsibility isn’t to classify the type of abuse, but rather to identify and report any concerning indicators.
When you spot worrying signs, you should report them to the Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) through your organisation’s reporting system – whether that’s electronic platforms like My Concern, CPOMS, or a paper-based system. The reason for this is that the signs and indicators could fit under more than one type of abuse.
Let’s examine a common indicator: poor hygiene. At first glance, this might seem straightforward, but there are numerous potential causes. Write a list of these potential causes.
Possible answers could be (reveal answers)
- boiler broken
- no soap, shampoo etc to wash with
- no running water
- washing machine has broken and no car to go to the launderette
- not been taught how to wash
- parents not ensuring that they do wash regularly
- no heating in the house so clothes smell damp
- substance addiction by individual or parents which means they don’t even think about washing
- person doesn’t like the sensation/feel of washing
The list can go on. Most of the above examples you would probably classify as possible neglect.
However, poor hygiene can also indicate more complex situations:
- Sexual abuse – deliberately avoiding washing as a defence mechanism against abusers
- Emotional abuse – neglecting self-care due to feelings of worthlessness
- Financial abuse – lack of access to facilities while being exploited, such as in drug trafficking situations
- Physical abuse – as seen in the Baby P case, where chocolate was used to conceal bruising
It’s important to note that categorising abuse types is only required during case conferences when placing a child on the child protection register. In all other situations, our role is simply to observe and report these indicators, regardless of which category they might suggest.