Responding to disclosures and immediate danger

A disclosure is when someone tells you something that suggests they or another person may be at risk. It can be a clear report or a brief remark that hints at harm. How you respond affects whether the person feels believed and whether the concern is handled safely.

How to respond

• Stay calm and take the person seriously.
• Move to a more private place only if it is safe and appropriate.
• Use simple open prompts such as "Tell me what happened" or "What are you worried about?"
• Do not ask leading questions or press for more detail than the person wants to give.
• Do not promise secrecy. Explain that you may need to share information to help keep someone safe.
• Do not confront the alleged abuser or controller.
• Report promptly through the correct route.

Immediate danger

If someone is at immediate risk of serious harm, act without delay. Follow local procedure, get the safeguarding lead or a senior member of staff if available, and use emergency services when necessary. Call 999 if there is immediate danger, a crime in progress, serious injury, threat to life, abduction risk or an urgent need for police or ambulance help.

When someone discloses harm, listen calmly, avoid leading questions, explain limits to confidentiality, record facts and report without delay.