"If you see something, say something"

Two new training podcasts have been launched to help people identify and act on any safeguarding concerns they may have about a child during the coronavirus pandemic.

The podcasts, created by Shropshire Council and Shropshire Partners in Care, are for anyone working or volunteering in the local community.

Shropshire Partners in Care

The podcast sessions are aimed to raise awareness of abuse and neglect of children, what to look for if you do see a child being subject to this, and what appropriate action you can take.

Abuse can take the form of psychological, physical, sexual, emotional or economic abuse, and occur in a wide range of domestic settings. This can include physical violence, manipulation, isolation, control, and use of threats and humiliation which harm, frighten or punish a child.

Recent ONS Survey statistics show that The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) estimated that one in five adults aged 18 to 74 years experienced at least one form of child abuse, whether emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or witnessing domestic violence or abuse, before the age of 16 years (8.5 million people).

Abuse and neglect during the pandemic

Due to the social distancing and self-isolation measures in place during the pandemic, those at risk of abuse are trapped at home with the perpetrator for a long period of time.

It is therefore important during this time that those who may have contact with families, including neighbours and volunteers, know the signs of abuse or neglect and understand how to report concerns.

Ed Potter, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, added:- 

“We know that child neglect and abuse is absolutely horrendous and can have a devastating and long term impact on children. Although it can be challenging for all of us during this pandemic, staying at home can pose extra difficulties and risk for those children who are already at risk of neglect or domestic abuse.

“Whilst we continue to work with a range of partners to protect children at this time, we are asking local communities to be more vigilant and help us ensure that children remain safe from harm. These podcasts are a great way to help those working or volunteering in the community, to identify what to look out for and how you can help report any safeguarding issues you may come across.

“Shropshire’s Safeguarding Community Partnership have also set up a dedicated COVID-19 and safeguarding children page which details safeguarding and other relevant information on safeguarding children during the coronavirus pandemic.” 

How to view the safeguarding podcasts

You can view the podcasts here: https://youtu.be/nsAab5e8240 and https://youtu.be/bQZsfsG5AtY

Safeguarding poster

A poster which summarises the key areas to consider when looking for safeguarding concerns has also be developed and can be downloaded here.

Worried about a child or an adult?

If you are worried about a child or young person phone 0345 678 9021. If you are worried about an adult phone 0345 678 9044.

For the very latest information and advice about safeguarding visit:

Shropshire Safeguarding Children’s website: http://www.safeguardingshropshireschildren.org.uk/

Our Community Safety website: https://shropshire.gov.uk/crime-and-community-safety/ also has a range of advice and information on safeguarding.