Home / Listening / Responding

RESPONDING to someone disclosing abuse

01

LISTEN

  • Listen quietly
  • Don't interrupt
  • Give your full attention
  • Be aware of your own body language.
  • Give reassurance.
  • Be calm and patient.
  • Make sure that they are safe.

02

RESPOND

  • Reinforce that they have done the right thing by telling you.
  • Review what you understand about their experiences.
  • Explain what will happen next.
  • Ask if they have any questions.
  • Make sure they are safe.

03

RECORD

  • Write down the key points of the allegation.
  • Use the words used by the person make the allegation as much as possible.

04

REFER

  • Pass your written record to the Safeguarding Advisor of your Diocese, Religious Congregation or organisation.
  • Look after yourself and seek support from your Safeguarding Advisor, Provincial or Religious Superior, if this helps you.

Advice on responding to safeguarding concerns and allegations

A booklet offers detailed advice on how to respond to disclosures of safeguarding concerns and allegations.  This will be useful to all those in Catholic faith communities who may experience such disclosures.  Some illustrative pages are shown below.  The advice can be downloaded here.