2.7 Historic (Non Recent) Allegations of Abuse (including Sexual Abuse)

1. Introduction

There may be times when an adult makes an allegation of abuse, including sexual abuse, that happened many years ago. This is often called historical or non-recent abuse. While historical abuse is most commonly associated with experiences in childhood, adults may also disclose abuse experienced in later life, including abuse within intimate or family relationships. The impacts of abuse can last a lifetime and can have an ongoing impact on the adult’s physical and mental health, relationships and wellbeing.

There are a number of reasons why an adult may not have been able to report their abuse at the time it took place. This includes:

• a concern that they would not be believed;
• not understanding what was happening to them;
• a fear of retaliation from the alleged abuser;
• fear of possible consequences for themselves or others if the abuse was reported;
• a power imbalance between the abuser and the adult.

Reasons why an adult may later decide to report abuse they experienced as a child include:

• media coverage of other successful prosecutions of historical abuse;
• being aware of other allegations against the abuser and wanting to prevent them from being able to commit further abuse;
• having shared their experiences with another person who has offered to support them to report the abuse;
• seeking a sense of closure.

Whilst historic abuse is most commonly associated with experiences in childhood, adults may also disclose abuse experienced in later life, including abuse within intimate or family relationships.

2. Action to Take

An adult may disclose non recent abuse to practitioners from any organisation or may go directly to the Police or social care (children’s or adults).

The adult should be supported to share their story at their own pace and reassured that they will be listened to and taken seriously.

It is important to avoid asking leading questions, but the following information can help to identify appropriate next steps:

• when the abuse occurred (and if possible, over what time period);
• where the abuse took place and if there were other victims;
• who the perpetrator was (if the adult will not name the perpetrator, try to establish the relationship, e.g. family member, teacher, care worker);
• if they know whether the alleged perpetrator is still alive, and where they may live.
• whether the alleged abuser is known to still be in contact with children, and the identity of any child who may currently be at risk, if known.

It should be explained that information the adult gives may need to be shared with other agencies – even if the adult does not want to make a formal report to the Police or social care – to protect other children from possible abuse. See Information Sharing and Confidentiality.

If the alleged abuser was in a position of trust with children or vulnerable adults at the time of the offence/s, either children’s social care or adult social care (as relevant) should hold a strategy discussion to determine what is known about the alleged abuser now and whether any further action is required, including whether other children may also have been abused or if the alleged abuser still has contact with children or vulnerable adults now – either professionally or in their home life. Discussions should involve senior police officers and partner agency managers to ensure there are appropriate resources, as required.

A referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer / LADO) (who manages and provides oversight of allegations against adults working with children in a paid  or voluntary capacity) should be made for all allegations concerning individuals who are believed to still work with children.

Historical abuse allegations can be complex to investigate and prosecute due to the passage of time; there may be less evidence available and / or people may have left the area for example. However, evidence including photographs or case records may still be available and people may be willing to give statements. There are however many examples of successful prosecutions of historical abuse.

For further information in relation to children’s safeguarding, see the Greater Manchester Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures.

For action in relation to adult safeguarding, see Safeguarding Enquiries Process.

3. Supporting the Adult

Adults should be offered appropriate support. This could include a referral to mental health services or signposting to national and local organisations who provide support for victims / survivors of abuse. These include the Survivors Trust and Napac, who offer a confidential advice and support line and have produced support booklets which contain practical advice and reassurance. Information on local support services can be accessed via the Bury Directory.

Agencies involved should agree who keeps the adult informed of progress with any investigation.