What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is about working together to minimise the risk of harm and adopting a zero tolerance to abuse and neglect. Safeguarding is about protecting a person form the risk of harm, protecting their safety and independence and wellbeing of children, young people and adults with care and support needs.
What do we mean by abuse?
Abuse is usually categorised but one or more of four things being done to a child/young person:
Physical abuse – being physically hurt (like being beaten, punched, kicked, slapped, scalded with hot water or punished in other ways that cause physical harm). And, if it wasn’t an accident that can only mean that you are being abused.
Sexual abuse – being touched in ways you do not like. No one has the right to touch you in a bad way; or force you to touch them or other people. You should always tell someone if another person is trying to get you involved in anything of a sexual nature. This might also include things which do not involve touching (like involving you in looking at or making sexual images, watching sexual activity or encouraging you to act in sexually inappropriate ways).
Emotional abuse – someone persistently saying or doing cruel things intended to upset you. Or you might see or hear the ill-treatment of others. This could leave you feeling very unhappy and not cared for, this is emotional abuse.
Neglect - when people talk about neglect they mean when a child is not getting the things they need. Neglect often happens when children are left to care for themselves or care for others such as brothers and sisters all the time.
Who is responsible for safeguarding?
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All adults have a responsibility to protect children and young people. Safeguarding is about keeping children and young people safe.
Watch this video to find out about the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership
