Raising a safeguarding concern
What it means
If abuse/neglect is suspected: ensure immediate SAFETY (and treat injuries), DOCUMENT factually and contemporaneously (including the person's own words), do not interrogate or promise secrecy, share information on a need-to-know basis (safeguarding can justify breaching confidentiality), and refer promptly to the appropriate route — children's/adults' social care, the named/designated safeguarding lead, and police if a crime/immediate danger.
Worked example
A child discloses abuse — the clinician listens, records the exact words, doesn't promise confidentiality, ensures safety, and refers to children's social care and the safeguarding lead.
In the exam
A child begins to disclose abuse; the clinician focuses on listening and accurate documentation rather than detailed questioning, and refers to social care.
What settles it
Don't promise secrecy or interrogate — safeguarding overrides the usual confidentiality, and the priority is safety + a prompt referral, not gathering evidence.
Classically confused with
Non-accidental injury — red flags
Source: Working Together; Care Act 2014