The LCSPR regarding The Siblings reminded professionals of the importance of the language that we use when we are discussing and recording concerns about child sexual abuse. The language we use should be child-centred and avoid victim blaming. The majority of victim blaming language is unintentional and so professionals should always carefully consider the words that they are using to describe concerns of possible or actual sexual abuse. Phrases that could be interpreted as a young person being an active agent in the abuse they are experiencing should be avoided. Instead, there should be a focus on the harm the young person has possibly or has experienced, the impact of that harm, as well as a focus on the individual that has caused the harm. In essence, a trauma-informed approach should be applied.

To book onto the PDSCP’s new introduction to trauma informed practice training, as well as any other core safeguarding children training courses commissioned by the PDSCP, please follow this link.

To provide feedback on this toolkit please click this link

You can also scan the QR code below to take you to the survey: