Frequently Asked Questions -

Frequently Asked Questions

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the process of protecting people from harm. It is about protecting children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect, and it is the responsibility of everyone in society.

What are the different types of safeguarding concerns?

There are many different types of safeguarding concerns, including:

Physical abuse: This is any form of physical harm, such as hitting, slapping, or kicking.
Sexual abuse: This is any form of sexual contact or behavior that is forced or unwanted.
Emotional abuse: This is any form of emotional harm, such as bullying, name-calling, or threats.
Neglect: This is when someone does not provide a child or adult with the basic care they need, such as food, shelter, or clothing.

What should I do if I have a safeguarding concern?

If you have a safeguarding concern, it is important to report it to the appropriate authorities. This may be the police, social services, or your employer.

What are the signs of abuse?

There are many different signs of abuse, and they can vary depending on the type of abuse. Some common signs include:

Physical injuries: Bruises, cuts, or burns
Changes in behavior: Depression, anxiety, or withdrawn behavior
Problems with relationships: Difficulty making friends or maintaining relationships
Self-harm: Cutting, burning, or other forms of self-harm

How can I protect myself from abuse?

There are many things you can do to protect yourself from abuse, including:

Be aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts, and if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Tell someone you trust: If you are being abused, it is important to tell someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or teacher.
Get help: There are many resources available to help you if you are being abused. You can contact the police, social services, or a local abuse hotline.

What is the role of a safeguarding lead?

A safeguarding lead is responsible for overseeing safeguarding within an organisation. They will develop and implement safeguarding policies and procedures, provide training to staff, and investigate safeguarding concerns.

What is the importance of safeguarding training?

Safeguarding training is important because it can help people to:

Understand what safeguarding is and how to identify signs of abuse
Know how to report safeguarding concerns
Protect themselves from abuse

What are the benefits of a safeguarding culture?

A safeguarding culture is a culture where everyone is committed to protecting people from harm. This type of culture can help to:

Prevent abuse from happening
Identify and respond to abuse early
Support victims of abuse

Support Services

Safeguarding culture: Appropriately manage respondents and potential risks

If you need to report a concern contact your local authorities.

For those in Australia:

If you are in danger, call the Police on 000.

If you believe that a child or vulnerable person is in immediate danger, call the Police on 000.

If you have a reasonable belief that a child or adult at risk has suffered or is at risk of suffering harm, you should make a report to the government reporting authority in your state or territory.

A reasonable belief means that your concerns are well founded based on the information you know or have from a reliable source, this means you do not need to be absolutely certain that harm has or will occur before making a report.

Crisis Lines

Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 Website
Lifeline 13 11 14 Website
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Website
1800 Respect – sexual assault and family violence support and advice 1800 737 732 Website

Elder Abuse

Aged Care Complaints Commission 1800 951 822 Website
Seniors Rights 1300 368 821 Website

Disability Abuse and Neglect

National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1800 880 052  Website

Government

Human Rights Equal Opportunity Commission 1300 656 419 Website

Sexual assault services

Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence National Help Line 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) Website

Support lines and services

Beyond Blue – support for anxiety and depression 1300 224 636 Website
Blue Knot Foundation – counselling and support for survivors 1300 657 380  Website
Bravehearts Inc – counselling and support for survivors, child protection advocacy 1800 272 831   Website
Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) – support and advocacy for Forgotten Australians 1800 008 774 Website
Child Migrants Trust – social work services for former Child Migrants, including counselling and support for family reunions   1800 040 509 Website
Child Wise – trauma-informed telephone and online counselling for childhood abuse 1800 991 099 Website
Children and Young People with Disability Australia1800 222 660   Website
Headspace – support for young people experiencing mental health issues 1800 650 890 Website
Healing Foundation – service to help build up the capacity of Indigenous organisations and support the development of the Link Up networkWebsite
In Good Faith Foundation – advocacy, casework, referral and support to aid recovery for victims, their families and communities responding to clergy, religious and lay abuse 03 9940 1533 Website
Mensline Australia 1300 789 978Website
On the Line Australia – national telephone and online support, information and referral for men with family and relationship concerns 1300 789 978 Website

People with Disability Australia – national telephone line to provide information and referrals to people with disabilities 1800 422 015   TTY: 1800 422 016 Website
Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia – 24/7 telephone and online crisis counselling service for anyone in Australia who has experienced or is at risk of sexual assault 1800 211 028 Website
Knowmore – offers free legal advice and support to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. They help survivors consider their options about compensation, redress and other legal issues related to abuse. The staff at Knowmore are trained and experienced in working with people who have experienced trauma, and in providing culturally safe services 1800 605 762 Website

National Redress Scheme

Bravehearts is a Redress Support Service provider. Bravehearts offers free and confidential support to anyone considering applying to the National Redress Scheme. Bravehearts can provide more information about the Scheme and who can apply. They can also help fill out the form and support you throughout the process 1800 272 831 Website

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