Domestic violence and child abuse usually arise from powerlessness or overload. In most cases, it is not intentional. Furthermore, it does not have to take place at home. Violence or abuse affects someone's integrity. It disrupts healthy growth and development and can lead to permanent physical and psychological damage. That is why the Reporting Code Act was created.
The Reporting Code Act has been in effect since 01 July 2013. This law obliges employees working at C-support to use the reporting code in the event of suspicions of domestic violence and child abuse. Within C-support, the choice has been made that everyone who has direct contact with patients acts according to the Reporting Code.
What is the Reporting Code for Child Abuse and Domestic Violence?
The Reporting Code is a step-by-step plan that supports careful action in the event of suspicions. Acting by means of the Reporting Code does not equal a reporting obligation, but is a way of working and stimulates carefulness and cooperation between professionals, so that signs of domestic violence and/or child abuse are signalled at an early stage. This early signalling aims to prevent domestic violence and child abuse.
Report
Like any other professional organization working with children and adults, C-support staff are alert to signs of domestic violence and child abuse. Reporting suspicions of domestic violence and child abuse is necessary in the following cases:
- In all cases of acute insecurity and/or structural insecurity;
- In all other cases in which the professional believes that, given his or her competences, responsibilities and professional boundaries, he or she cannot provide or organise effective assistance to a sufficient extent in the event of (risks of) domestic violence and/or child abuse;
- When a professional who provides or organizes assistance to protect those involved against the risk of domestic violence and/or child abuse finds that the unsafe situation does not stop or is recurring.
Protocol
A protocol has been drawn up within C-support stating who takes which steps when there is a suspicion of domestic violence or child abuse. All employees within C-support who have direct patient contact act according to this protocol. If an employee suspects this, the following five steps from the Reporting Code are followed:
- Map signals of domestic violence and child abuse. The child check is part of this step.
- Consult with a colleague or internal attention officer. If necessary, consult Safe at Home: the advice and reporting centre for domestic violence and child abuse.
- Talk to the person(s) involved, the client and/or the parent(s)/relatives.
- Weigh the nature and severity of the domestic violence and/or child abuse. If in doubt, always contact Veilig Thuis.
- Make a decision. Is reporting necessary? Or is providing or organizing assistance (also) possible?
More information about the Reporting Code Act can be found on the website of the Dutch government: meldcode.nl
What happens when a report is made to Veilig Thuis?
Veilig Thuis is legally obliged to talk to the directly involved parties within 5 working days. For each report, they first assess the safety of the members of the family or household. If Veilig Thuis decides on the basis of the assessment that help may be needed, they will see whether they can forward the report to a local care provider. If that is not possible, Veilig Thuis will talk to the family or household itself. For example, a care provider can come by to talk about the problems or to investigate what is going on. The help of, for example, the family doctor, the center for Youth and Family or a family coach can be called in.
If the suspicions are not correct and there are no concerns about safety (domestic violence or child abuse), the report is refuted and Veilig Thuis will end its involvement. There are no further steps. For more information, see: 'How does Safe at Home work?.
If C-support has such concerns about your safety or that of your partner or family members, a report can be made to Veilig Thuis. This report, which is made via the protocol of the Meldcode law, is separate from the further support of C-support. You can therefore continue to use our services.
What can you do yourself?
At Veilig Thuis you can go if you are involved in domestic violence or child abuse. Or if you are worried about others. You will be connected to an expert employee who will listen carefully to your story and give you advice. If you wish, you can remain anonymous. Veilig Thuis is there for everyone who is dealing with domestic violence or child abuse. They can be reached 24 hours a day via the free telephone number 0800 – 2000.
