Wider safeguarding agenda

Safeguarding legislation and policies do not just cover issues like neglect or sexual abuse. Other areas help to set the wider safeguarding agenda.

Forced marriage is marriage conducted without the full consent of both parties and under duress. It is an entirely separate issue from arranged marriage and the two should not be confused. It became illegal under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007.

Bullying includes issues like cyber bullying and e-safety. You can find more resources on these issues in unit 5 of this module.

Other salient issues relevant to safeguarding are guns, gangs and knives, violent extremism, domestic abuse and child trafficking.

Resources and links on the following screens will give you further information about all these areas.

Click on a heading below for links to source of support

Support Me

The following links highlight sources of support for you if you are personally affected by any of the issues raised in this course. Select a link to open it in a new window.

Samaritans A confidential telephone or email listening service if you need to talk about your own experiences.

SupportLine Offers confidential emotional support by telephone, email and post, working to help develop healthy and positive coping strategies. They also keep details of counsellors, agencies and support groups throughout the UK.

Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse (HAVOCA) Provides support, friendship and advice for any adult whose life has been affected by childhood abuse.

Support for Learners

The following links highlight sources of support for learners or anyone else you know who may be personally affected by any of the issues raised in this course. Select a link to open it in a new window.

ChildLine Offers support, advice and guidance for anyone up to the age of 18 on a variety of topics, including abuse.

Respond A national, free service for children, young people, adults and elders with learning difficulties.

TheSite Young adult oriented searchable website offering support, advice and guidance on a wide range of topics, including abuse.

Information, Advice and Guidance

The following links highlight sources of further information, advice and guidance around the issues raised in this course. Select a link to open it in a new window.

Ann Craft Trust An organisation focused on safeguarding people with learning disabilities.

Department of Health The Department of Health website contains useful information about safeguarding adults.

Introduction and Context