{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EAny form of abuse is abhorrent and we are deeply sorry for anyone who has suffered because of the actions of abusers.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou might have known you were abused for a very long time. You might have only recently learnt or realised what happened to you.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhether the abuse happened once or many times, a year or 70 years ago: there\u0027s no excuse for abuse.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhatever the circumstances were, we want to offer support. And some survivors tell us that reporting gives them a sense of closure that helps them to start moving on.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe work hard to make sure young people stay safe in Scouts today. Your testimony might help make a difference to us making sure we are doing all we can to prevent abuse.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s never too late to report what you experienced.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETo report non-recent abuse, you can complete our \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheScoutAssociation/SafeguardingReportingForm\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts online safeguarding reporting form\u0022\u003Eonline reporting form\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0 If you\u0027d prefer to speak to one of our Safeguarding Team, call on 0208 433 7164 or email\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:safeguarding@scouts.org.uk\u0022 title=\u0022Email the Safeguarding Team\u0022\u003Esafeguarding@scouts.org.uk\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0and one of our team will contact you.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can also report anonymously using the \u003Ca href=\u0022/about-us/policy/whistleblowing-policy-and-procedures/\u0022 title=\u0022Whistleblowing Policy and Procedures\u0022\u003EWhistleblowing Policy\u003C/a\u003E with this \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0d6fb9495262423e926dd8c0100c83e5\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Whistleblowing webform\u0022\u003Eonline form\u003C/a\u003E or through the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/dedicated-helplines/whistleblowing-advice-line/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022NSPCC website\u0022\u003ENSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EReporting can stop the offender abusing other young people, so our Safeguarding Team will report all allegations of non-recent abuse to the police and the local authority.\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Reporting non-recent abuse","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ECommon questions and worries\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s normal to be anxious about reporting and worry about what might happen. There\u2019s some really useful information in \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84G_1gUDM7M\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Watch video on YouTube\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?v=84G_1gUDM7M\u0022\u003Ethis video by Police Scotland\u003C/a\u003E about what happens when non-recent abuse is reported to the police. This covers common questions and concerns people have when thinking about reporting abuse to the police.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EChild abuse is a criminal offence and is any action by another person that causes harm to a child. Abuse can be sexual, physical, emotional, or neglect, and it can happen anywhere, in any setting.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESexual abuse can involve physical contact and can also happen online. Physical abuse is causing physical harm to someone. Emotional abuse is when someone experiences emotional maltreatment or neglect. Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet someone\u2019s basic needs.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChildren may be abused in a family or institutional setting by someone who is known to them or is a stranger. Abusers can be any person of any gender and come from all walks of life.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Why would I report it? I am not even sure it was abuse."},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EScouts treat all reports of child abuse seriously. We are committed to investigating child abuse no matter where or when it happened or who was involved. \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Why would I report it? I am worried I won\u2019t be taken seriously."},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen you report abuse to Scouts your safety, welfare, and wellbeing are our first priority. We also want to identify the person who may pose a risk to children and protect you, and anyone else who may be at risk of harm. Your report may also help lead to your abuser being brought to justice.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Why would I report it? I am scared my abuser would come after me."},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EYes. Scouts will still investigate your report and there may still be things to learn to help protect others. It is important to understand that people who have passed away cannot be charged or form part of any criminal trial. Nonetheless we would do a proportionate investigation with safeguarding as a priority.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Can I make a report to Scouts if my abuser has now passed away?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EYour personal information such as your name, contact information and details of your report will be shared with statutory agencies. They will work in partnership with Scouts to safeguard children and support survivors of abuse who seek justice.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","label":"What happens to the personal information I give to Scouts?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA Safeguarding Officer will contact you. Your wellbeing is our priority and we will respond to you promptly and discuss with you what support and guidance is available.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EScouts has a duty to report abuse to the Police so we will discuss this process with you and the next steps.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"What happens after I report to Scouts?"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EGetting the support you need\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you were abused as a child, you deserve to be believed and get support if you want to.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhether you\u2019re speaking about the abuse for the first time or have had help in the past but need support again, there are people who can help.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you don\u0027t feel comfortable contacting Scouts directly, or want to find out more about your options, there are lots of places where you can find support.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETalking to your GP might be helpful. They can refer you on to appropriate support, like counselling and let you know if the NHS has services for survivors in your local area.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFinding the right counsellor for you can take time. If therapy hasn\u0027t helped you in the past, it might be better for you to try a different counsellor. Ask them whether they have experience of supporting adults who were abused in childhood.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Talk to your GP about seeing a counsellor"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThinking about talking to someone close to you about the abuse can seem frightening. You might not know where to start or may be worried about their reaction. It\u0027s important to choose someone you feel you can trust to provide a listening ear.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou don\u0027t have to tell them everything. Even if you say very little,\u00A0speaking to them might help to lighten the load and help you think about what you want to do next.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Speak to a friend or family member"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EContact the Police on 101 or \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.police.uk/pu/contact-us\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Police website\u0022\u003Eonline at the Police UK website.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Contact the Police"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://napac.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022NAPAC website\u0022\u003ENAPAC\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0is the National Association for People Abused in Childhood. NAPAC\u0027s trained staff speak with survivors of any type of childhood abuse over the phone, exploring the options available to them such as support groups and counselling to help empower callers to move forward. Calls are confidential, free from UK landlines and mobiles and can be made anonymously.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENAPAC also supports family members, friends and professionals who are helping someone who was abused, advising them on who else can help.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe NAPAC website provides a wealth of information and advice, including a postcode searchable database which lists local trusted organisations who can offer free or low-cost ongoing support.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EContact NAPAC on 0808 801 0331 or email \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:support@napac.org.uk\u0022 title=\u0022Email NAPAC\u0022\u003Esupport@napac.org.uk\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022The Survivors Trust website\u0022\u003EThe Survivors Trust\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0is the largest umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services in the UK. Their services work with victims and survivors of all ages, all genders, of all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, including support for partners and family members.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey aim to support and empower survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse through:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EProviding free and confidential support and information to survivors of all types of sexual violence.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EProviding a collective voice and peer networking for specialist rape and sexual abuse support services.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEducation about all forms of sexual violence and their effect on victims-survivors, their supporters and society at large.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInforming acknowledgement of, and effective responses to, sexual violence and sexual abuse on a local, regional and national level.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EContact The Survivors Trust on 09099 010818 or email \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:helpline@thesurvivorstrust.org\u0022 title=\u0022Email The Survivors Trust\u0022\u003Ehelpline@thesurvivorstrust.org\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"The Survivors Trust"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Whistleblowing Advice Line offers free advice and support to professionals with concerns about how child protection issues are being handled in their own or another organisation.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECall\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E0800 028 0285\u00A0or email\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:help@nspcc.org.uk\u0022\u003Ehelp@NSPCC.org.uk\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.survivorsuk.org\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Survivors UK website\u0022\u003ESurvivors UK\u003C/a\u003E provides a national online helpline, individual and group counselling for boys, men and non-binary people aged 13\u002B who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives. They also offer emotional support through the justice system, support for friends and families of survivors, and training for professionals and organisations\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EContact Survivors UK on 0203 5983898 or email \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:help@survivorsuk.org\u0022 title=\u0022Email Survivors UK\u0022\u003Ehelp@survivorsuk.org\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Survivors UK"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ERape Crisis provides specialist information and support to all those affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence and abuse in England and Wales.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EContact \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.rapecrisis.org.uk\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rape Crisis website\u0022\u003ERape Crisis England and Wales\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0on 08085002222 (24/7) or visit their website to start a free online chat\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EContact \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rape Crisis Scotland website\u0022\u003ERape Crisis Scotland\u003C/a\u003E on 08088 010302 or email \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022mailto:support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Email Rape Crisis Scotland\u0022\u003Esupport@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EContact \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.rapecrisishelp.ie\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Rape Crisis Northern Ireland website\u0022\u003ERape Crisis Northern Ireland\u003C/a\u003E on 1800 778888\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EContact \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.jaar.je\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Jersey Action Against Rape website\u0022\u003EJersey Action Against Rape\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0on 01534 482800\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Rape Crisis"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESamaritans provide round the clock confidential emotional support to people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EContact Samaritans on 116 123 or email \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:joe@samaritans.org\u0022 title=\u0022Email Samaritans\u0022\u003Ejoe@samaritans.org\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Samaritans"}]}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Information and advice if you were abused in childhood in Scouts, including how to report it and where to go for help.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"15 July 2023","reviewDate":"27/04/2023","redirectUrl":"","id":47579,"nodeName":"Reporting non-recent child abuse","title":"Reporting non-recent child abuse","type":"contentPage","image":{"url":"/media/10478/scouts-logo.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1db789232a4a190","caption":"Scouts Logo","type":"jpg","size":30784,"width":800,"height":450,"altText":"The Scouts logo"},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Reporting non-recent child abuse","headerSubTitle":"We appreciate the bravery it takes to consider speaking out about your experience. If you were abused while you were under 18 and in Scouts, we want to know, and we want to offer support.","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Report non-recent abuse online","url":"https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheScoutAssociation/SafeguardingReportingForm","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Safeguarding policy and procedures","url":"/about-us/policy/safeguarding-policy-and-procedures/","newWindow":false}]},"subHeader":"Information and advice if you were abused in childhood in Scouts, including how to report it and where to go for help.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NzU3OSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/reporting-a-concern-to-safeguarding/reporting-non-recent-child-abuse/"}