Victims of abuse not protected

[Rhiannon]

This case is just appalling, but it isn't the only one if its kind.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38719709

[Brownie]

That is an extremely distressing story, Rhiannon;  one would assume that a safe house would, at least, be safe, otherwise what's the point of it? 

[Rhiannon]

Yes. The ignorance displayed by both the social worker and police is breathtaking.

[floo]

A terrible story, but sadly it doesn't surprise me. A social worker made an excuse for the abuse suffered by our eldest adopted son, over 35 years ago, by a care worker in his children's home.

[Brownie]

Those were different times, floo, and in years before that time (such as when we were young), abusers were believed far more often than the abused.

The story which Rhiannon has linked to beggars belief because the whole point of someone being moved to a secret location is to protect them.  I can't help wondering if the social worker concerned had some agenda of her/his own and/or maybe a personal involvement with the case.   I cannot see any other reason for exposing the safe house, and 'phone number - more than once!

[Rhiannon]

Those were different times, floo, and in years before that time (such as when we were young), abusers were believed far more often than the abused.

The story which Rhiannon has linked to beggars belief because the whole point of someone being moved to a secret location is to protect them.  I can't help wondering if the social worker concerned had some agenda of her/his own and/or maybe a personal involvement with the case.   I cannot see any other reason for exposing the safe house, and 'phone number - more than once!

Yes, people with personality disorders can often charm the birds from the trees. An abuser can very often also be charming, apparently reasonable and loving, and paint their victim to appear imbalanced, lying and entirely to blame. Thus kind of thing has to be a sackable offence.

Incidentally 'joint parental responsibility' is a great tool for abusers to get to and harm their families.

[floo]

Those were different times, floo, and in years before that time (such as when we were young), abusers were believed far more often than the abused.

The story which Rhiannon has linked to beggars belief because the whole point of someone being moved to a secret location is to protect them.  I can't help wondering if the social worker concerned had some agenda of her/his own and/or maybe a personal involvement with the case.   I cannot see any other reason for exposing the safe house, and 'phone number - more than once!

There was no excuse for the social worker's attitude then, especially as they knew what was going on. There has been a big fuss fairly recently about the social services and children's homes in that particular place.

[Udayana]

"The local social services in Ivy's case have acknowledged that they "fell well short of the expected standard", and she has received an apology and a small amount of compensation.
She does not know if the social worker received disciplinary proceedings."

How do we know whether or not appropriate actions have been taken to prevent future occurrences? Obviously whatever education or procedures were in place beforehand cannot be trusted. Admittedly this may be difficult to resolve without involving more people and risking further spread of confidential information, but surely the local authority should be identified and be required to demonstrate that suitable processes are now being enforced?

Otherwise, it's just a another lesson in why not to trust social services and other authorities.

[Rhiannon]

Yes, it's little wonder abuse victims are afraid to bring social services into things.

[Brownie]

I feel very sorry for your son, floo.
There has never been any excuse for abuse but there was at one time a culture of cover up and kids weren't cared for properly, had absolutely no voice.  It was even more terrible when they had learning difficulties or an illness.

[Rhiannon]

In many ways victims still have their voice silenced. Even anonymous discussion fora like this one aren't safe. I know someone who posted about abuse on Mumsnet of all places, and a woman read it, identified her and told her abuser.

[Brownie]

That is quite appalling.

[Rhiannon]

Yeah well like I said, abusers can be charming and plausible.

[Bubbles]

That's awful.

Given the fuss that is made about data protection these days, you would think someone being in a safe house and their whereabouts being secret, would fall into sensitive personal data.

If I revealed far less damaging info, I'd be for it. If it's on computer her husband shouldn't have had any authority for information. It's private. You can't ring up a doctor and get info, even about your husband or an adult son.

I'm surprised the social worked wasn't punished severely if not sacked the first time, the second time she most certainly should have lost her job.