Be sure that you know how to respond in these initial stages-this could be vital should the case go to court.
Receive what is said
- Accept what you are told, you do not have to decide whether or not it is true
- Listen without displaying shock or disbelief
- Refer the case to our welfare officer
Reassure the player
- Acknowledge their courage in telling
- Remind them they are not to blame but avoid criticising the alleged perpetrator, as young people often love the people who abuse them
- Do not promise confidentiality “I must tell you that if you tell me something serious, I will not be able to keep it to myself, I will have to tell somebody”. You can be forced to break confidentiality to a court and policy instructs us to inform the designated officer.
- Reassure them, but do not tell them that everything will be all right because it might not be.
React
- Respond to what the player has said but do not interrogate
- Avoid leading questions like “was it your father? Did he touch your ?” questions like these can be used by a defence to suggest that you ‘contaminated’ a pupil’s evidence.
- Ask open-ended questions, “Do you want to tell me anything else?” And?”
Support
Think of your own support needs and ensure you ask for support if you need it.