There are no excuses for failing to carry out the duty to report an adult at risk of abuse or neglect. However, subjective factors can influence decision-making at this stage. These include:
- fear of actual or perceived threats from the family and or community;
- concern that the referral is a breach of trust;
- wish to retain professional autonomy and manage the situation;
- over identification with carers and making excuses and/or justifying potentially abusive behaviours;
- concerns that the report will not be taken seriously;
- worries that the report will result in considerable distress for the adult at risk and family/carers but no meaningful help and support will be provided because of lack of resources;
- over-identification with family/carers and making excuses for behaviour;
- normalising a particular form of abuse or neglect because of the commonality of a particular situation. For example, alcohol or drug misuse may be common in particular areas and domestic violence resulting from this to adults at risk;
- a belief that the behaviour may be acceptable in a particular culture or religion.
- over-optimism about a situation: seeing it as a one-off or accident;
- reluctance to accept professionals or those in higher socio-economic groups can perpetrate abuse or neglect;
- being re-assured by an abuser they have/will change and/or engaged with services.
It is essential that practitioners reflect on the way in which these subjective factors may be influencing decision-making decisions not to report.
If in any doubt contact the safeguarding lead or your manager.
Managers and designated leads should always explore any subjective factors that may be influencing the decision-making of staff.
Further information:
Age UK (2019) ‘Particular Issues for Older People’ in Safeguarding older people from abuse and neglect, (Accessed 12/7/2019)