Recording, information sharing, and referral

Accurate safeguarding records protect people and support prompt action. Vague notes such as "family issues" or "resident upset again" can obscure the seriousness of what staff observed and delay escalation. Records about suspected domestic abuse should be factual, timely and proportionate.

What a useful record should include

• Date, time, and place: be specific about when and where the concern arose.
• Who was present: note visitors, staff, and whether the person was seen alone or not.
• What was observed: behaviour, injuries, distress, missing items, pressure around money, or changes linked to visits or calls.
• What was said: record key words as exactly as possible using quotation marks where appropriate.
• What action was taken: who you told, what advice was sought, and any immediate safety steps.
• The person's wishes if known: include whether they wanted support, were fearful, or objected to certain action, while still recording the concern clearly.

Sharing information safely

Share domestic abuse information only on a need-to-know basis and in line with local safeguarding, confidentiality and record-keeping policy. Do not casually update family members about allegations or concerns if doing so could increase risk. The alleged abuser may access information via shared devices, monitored calls or routine visit updates.

Referrals or information sharing may involve the home's safeguarding lead, the local authority safeguarding team, police, social worker, GP or nursing team, and specialist domestic abuse services. In high-risk cases use adult safeguarding and domestic abuse routes alongside each other rather than relying on a single pathway.

A practical record-keeping point

Record facts, patterns and action clearly. Domestic abuse concerns can be lost in vague language, delayed handovers or unsafe information sharing.