Domestic Abuse, Exploitation, FGM, and Modern Slavery

Some safeguarding concerns cross both child and adult practice. Domestic abuse, exploitation, FGM, modern slavery, trafficking, forced marriage, and radicalisation can all present indirectly in dental settings.

Dental nurses are not expected to be experts in every form of abuse. Level 2 practice means recognising possible signs and taking the next safe step. A patient may appear controlled by a partner, a child may say they are afraid to go home, a young person may receive repeated messages during treatment, or an adult may not know their address or be accompanied by someone holding their documents.

Domestic abuse can involve physical violence, emotional abuse, coercive control, economic abuse, sexual abuse, and threats. It affects adults and children; children are victims when they see, hear, or experience abuse at home. FGM is illegal in the UK and is a safeguarding issue. Modern slavery and trafficking can involve labour exploitation, sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, or domestic servitude.

• Do not ask sensitive questions in front of a suspected abuser or exploiter.
• Do not promise secrecy where someone may be at risk.
• Use professional interpreters, not companions, for safeguarding conversations.
• Escalate immediate danger to emergency services.
• Follow local pathways for specialist advice.

When someone is being controlled by another person, privacy and safe escalation are often the first protective steps.

Specialist Safeguarding Topics