Peer-reviewed article

The Development of Guidance for Responding to Disclosure of Non‐recent Child Sexual Abuse within a Large Provider of Health Services for Adults and Children

Nick Hindley, Lisa Lord · 1 Jan 2021

Abstract

In a large community health organisation, following high‐profile cases of non‐recent (historical) child sexual abuse, there was an increase in such disclosures and in uncertainties voiced by clinicians, both medical and non‐medical, about the most appropriate response to them. Practitioners within the safeguarding children team realised that there was little clear practice guidance available on this subject. This paper explores the process of how guidance for responding to disclosure of non‐recent child sexual abuse was developed and how, in the face of initial considerable anxiety and concern from clinicians, successful implementation was ultimately achieved. ‘This paper explores the process of how guidance for responding to disclosure of non‐recent child sexual abuse was developed’ Key Practitioner Messages Addressing non‐historic disclosure of sexual abuse: Is complex and requires flexibility of approach from professionals at the time of disclosure and subsequently. Should wherever possible include the wishes of the individual making the disclosure but may require additional professional decisions to prevent harm to others. Requires appreciation of the perspectives of professionals from different disciplines and agencies. Requires clear process and good senior, interagency working relationships if resolution of complex dilemmas is to be achieved.