– Catch ‘Em CIC is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all women and vulnerable adults (18+) who access our services—including survivors of domestic abuse, those facing trauma, or needing parenting/wellbeing support.

– Core Promise: Everyone has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, discrimination, exploitation, and harm. We operate a zero‑tolerance approach and act promptly on all concerns.

– Guided by 6 Safeguarding Principles: Empowerment, Prevention, Proportionality, Protection, Partnership, Accountability.

– Compliant with UK Law: Care Act 2014, Equality Act 2010, GDPR, London Multi‑Agency Procedures 2019, Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

2. Scope

– Applies to: All staff, volunteers, directors, trustees, contractors, students, and anyone acting on behalf of Catch ‘Em CIC.

– Covers: All women/adults accessing our workshops, 1‑2‑1 sessions, peer groups, creative/youth activities.

– Children/Under‑18s: Refer to separate Safeguarding Children Policy.

– Practice Focus: Trauma‑informed, safe‑space approach tailored for survivors and isolated adults.

3. Key Definitions

– Adult at Risk: Person aged 18 or over with care/support needs, who is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and unable to fully protect themselves due to those needs.

– Safeguarding: Protecting an individual’s right to live in safety, free from abuse, neglect, and harm; upholding dignity and wellbeing.

– Abuse: Misuse of power or control; may be a single/repeated act, or an act of omission/neglect; violates human/civil rights and causes harm.

– Significant Harm: Physical or mental ill‑treatment, impairment, avoidable deterioration in health, or damage to emotional/social/behavioural development.

4. Types of Abuse – Identification & Response

Abuse can happen anywhere: within families, intimate relationships, friendship groups, care settings, workplaces and online. It can be a single incident or repeated actions over time. Many of the adults we support have experienced domestic abuse, but we recognise and respond to all forms of harm. The following list is not exhaustive but sets out the main types of abuse and neglect recognised in this policy.

4.1 Physical Abuse

Physical abuse includes any non-accidental physical force that causes, or could cause, pain, injury or impairment. Examples include hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, burning, misuse of medication, inappropriate restraint, and forcing someone to consume alcohol or drugs.

4.2 Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Emotional abuse includes acts or patterns of behaviour that cause distress, fear, humiliation or a loss of self-worth. Examples include threats, intimidation, bullying, gaslighting, controlling or coercive behaviour, isolation from friends and family, and persistent criticism or undermining.

4.3 Financial or Material Abuse

Financial abuse involves the unauthorised or improper use of an adult’s money, property or resources. Examples include theft, fraud, pressure in connection with wills or property, misuse of benefits, controlling access to money, and using another person’s bank cards or accounts without consent.

4.4 Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves any sexual activity that a person has not consented to, cannot consent to, or has been pressured, coerced or manipulated into. This includes rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, unwanted touching, sexual comments, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and any sexual contact with a person who lacks capacity to consent.

4.5 Neglect and Acts of Omission

Neglect is the failure to meet an adult’s basic physical, emotional or social needs, where the adult is unable to meet those needs themselves. Examples include not providing adequate food, clothing, medication or medical care, ignoring emotional needs, or leaving someone in unsafe or unhygienic conditions.

4.6 Discriminatory Abuse

Discriminatory abuse includes harassment, ill-treatment or exclusion based on a person’s protected characteristics, such as disability, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or age. It can involve slurs, unequal treatment, denial of services, or targeted bullying and hate incidents.

5. Recognising Signs of Abuse and Neglect

Abuse and neglect can be difficult to detect. Survivors may feel frightened, ashamed, loyal to the person harming them, or worried about not being believed. Staff and volunteers should remain attentive to possible indicators, while remembering that there may be other explanations. Concerns should not be ignored.

Possible signs of abuse or neglect may include, but are not limited to:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns or fractures, or inconsistencies between injuries and explanations given.
• Changes in behaviour, such as increased anxiety, withdrawal, low mood, agitation or fearfulness around particular people.
• Reluctance to speak openly, or a partner, family member or carer who insists on speaking on someone’s behalf.
• Sudden changes in finances, difficulty paying for essentials, or lack of access to personal money or bank accounts.
• Poor living conditions, lack of personal care or hygiene, or untreated health needs.
• Controlling or coercive behaviour by a partner, ex-partner, family member or carer, including monitoring movements or communications.
• Use of derogatory language, slurs, or exclusion linked to a person’s identity or protected characteristics.
• Statements or disclosures that indicate fear, harm, exploitation or feeling unsafe.

The presence of one or more of these signs does not prove that abuse is taking place, but it should prompt further consideration and, where appropriate, a safeguarding concern.

6. Safeguarding Procedure – Flowchart

SEE / HEAR / SUSPECT A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN

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1. ACT PROMPTLY & SAFELY

– Stay calm; ensure immediate safety where possible

– Listen to and believe the person – remain non‑judgemental

– Do NOT conduct personal investigations or confront anyone directly

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2. REPORT IMMEDIATELY

– Internal: Inform Line Manager OR Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

– Record: Provide facts in writing – include date, time, names, what was seen/heard, no personal opinions

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3. DSL / MANAGER ASSESSES

– Evaluate risk level and urgency

– Arrange support and safety planning for the individual

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4. EXTERNAL REFERRAL (IF SIGNIFICANT RISK)

– Contact: Local Authority Safeguarding Hub

– Contact: Police (if immediate danger or crime suspected)

– Involve MARAC, Domestic Abuse Services, or Health partners as required

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5. RECORD & MONITOR

– Maintain secure, accurate, dated records

– Provide ongoing support to the individual

– Track progress; review and learn lessons from outcomes

7. Confidentiality, Information Sharing and Record-Keeping

– Staff have a responsibility to report issues or concerns of abuse; this responsibility can override the need to respect confidentiality. We cannot guarantee full confidentiality to service users, but their views will normally be respected when sharing information.

– Effective information sharing promotes safeguarding; disclosures should be justifiable and reasons for disclosure outweigh reasons not to disclose.

– Circumstances where we share information:

– If the allegation concerns a member of staff or volunteer

– The protection of the adult overrides all other interests

– There is or may be cause for an active Police investigation

– There is a significant risk of suicide or self‑harm

– There is a significant risk of harm to a third party

– When disclosing information given in confidence, we will explain why and with whom information will be shared; information is shared on a ‘need to know’ basis and kept up to date.

– Information given to staff or Catch ‘Em CIC belongs to the organisation; refer to policies on Confidentiality and Data Protection for further guidance.

– Staff protection: If concerns are not taken seriously internally, employees have the right to escalate to the Police or Social Services. Support is available from Protect (Public Concerns at Work): Tel 020 3117 2550, www.pcaw.co.uk.

8. Supporting People

8.1 Supporting People

– Catch ‘Em CIC recognises people may experience distress from safeguarding processes; we provide tailored support:

Alleged Victims

– All victims are identified and supported throughout investigations.

– Support is sensitive and tailored to individual needs; advocates/representatives are included in Safeguarding Strategy meetings led by the Local Authority.

– Support continues where we have agreed duties, ensuring protection from harm with minimal disruption.

– Support plans align with multi‑disciplinary safeguarding strategies.

– We signpost to counselling, victim support services and criminal justice advice where appropriate.

– Person‑centred approaches are used for those with additional needs; friends and family are valued and involved where safe and desired.

– Each victim has a named contact within the organisation for all safeguarding matters.

8.2 People Who Raise Alerts

 All concerns are listened to and taken seriously.

– Alerters are protected from harm where included in safeguarding strategies.

– Privacy is respected but not guaranteed; alerters are clearly informed of who may be notified and why.

– Staff raising concerns face no detriment; managers are mindful of workplace difficulties and provide support.

– Alerters receive feedback on the outcome of their concern and may be provided with written support where possible.

8.3 Witnesses

– Witnesses are listened to and taken seriously.

– Provided with protection and support throughout the process where we have agreed safeguarding duties.

– Signposted to counselling services as appropriate.

– Expected to provide written reports wherever possible.

– Kept informed throughout investigations and any legal proceedings; provided with a named contact.

– Supported to engage with criminal proceedings if desired; signposted to specialist professional support rather than providing it internally.

– We liaise with external services where necessary to protect witnesses.

8.4 People Who Abuse / Alleged Perpetrators

– We acknowledge that alleged perpetrators may have support needs and continue support only if risks to others are absent or managed.

– If interviewed by Police as a service user, an appropriately trained independent adult must be present; staff seek guidance from senior managers before acting in this role.

– The Director or equivalent decides whether an alleged perpetrator may remain in service; advice from Police, funders or authorities is sought first.

– Abuse between service users is always treated as a safeguarding concern.

– Alleged perpetrators are supported and protected only within agreed safeguarding strategies.

– Staff suspended during investigations are given clear contact and process information, HR advice and fair treatment.

– Information is shared on a ‘need to know’ basis in line with employment law.

– Housing and personal needs are acknowledged; perpetrators may be signposted to specialist services.

– Staff have access to confidential support helplines where applicable.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

– Role: Leads on safeguarding adults and at‑risk persons; oversees all cases, compliance and decision‑making.

– Catch ‘Em CIC Designated Person: Freda Lonley

9. Responsibilities & Commitments

– Empowerment: Promote personal choice, voice, independence, and informed consent for all service users.

– Trauma‑Informed Approach: Maintain safe spaces; recognise power dynamics; build trust through respectful practice.

– Equality & Inclusion: Fair treatment for all; provide

10. Contact Information and Further Guidance

If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of an adult connected with Catch’em CIC, or if you are unsure whether something should be treated as a safeguarding matter, please contact our Safeguarding Lead in the first instance.

Safeguarding Lead: Freda
Email: info@catchemcic.com

If you cannot reach the Safeguarding Lead and the concern is urgent, you can contact your local authority safeguarding adults team directly. Contact details for local authority safeguarding services can be found on your council’s website. In an emergency, always call 999.

For further information and guidance on safeguarding adults, you may find the following resources helpful:

• Care and Support Statutory Guidance (Care Act 2014)
• Local Safeguarding Adults Board procedures for your area
• NHS and GOV.UK guidance on domestic abuse and safeguarding

If you are a survivor seeking support, or a professional or community partner looking to collaborate, you can also:

• Book a Consultation to discuss how our trauma-informed programmes can support you, your family or your organisation.
• Learn About Our Programmes to explore how we work alongside survivors, mothers and youth to build safety, healing and healthy relationships.
• Get in Touch with our team to talk through any questions about this policy or our safeguarding approach.

Safeguarding is everyone’s business. Together, as survivors, professionals and communities, we can create conditions where adults are safe from harm and supported to thrive.