Reporting code domestic violence and child abuse.

Reporting code domestic violence and child abuse

Since 1 July 2013, all school employees work with a reporting code when they suspect there is domestic violence at the pupil’s home. This is set in the law required reporting code domestic violence and child abuse. Organizations around education that work with children also have a reporting code, such as the attendance officer, child care, and care agencies.

Purpose of the reporting code

The reporting code exists to quickly give good help to pupils dealing with domestic violence or abuse. With the Reporting code domestic violence and child abuse, the professional, in this case the school governing body, sets its own reporting code with a step plan. School employees must follow the step plan when they suspect domestic violence or child abuse.

Five required steps

The reporting code has the following five required steps:

• Step 1: map signs of domestic violence or child abuse.
• Step 2: discuss with a colleague and possibly ask Safe Home.
• Step 3: talk with pupil and/or the parents, depending on age and situation.
• Step 4: weigh the domestic violence or child abuse;
• Step 5: if in doubt, always consult Safe Home
• Step 6: decide based on the decision framework.

Decision and action framework

Since 1 January 2019, education employees are also required to work with the decision framework in step 4 of the reporting code. This framework shows when a report to Safe Home is always necessary. That applies to situations where the safety of family members is seriously threatened. The teacher or other school staff must report (suspected) acute or ongoing unsafe situations of child abuse or domestic violence. This also applies if the school gives help itself. This animation gives more clarity about the decision framework in the reporting code (steps 4 and 5). Besides the decision framework, the Movement against Child Abuse has developed an action framework to explain how to use the reporting code. This framework names each person’s role and task, the conditions, and who can be consulted. There is an infographic that shows each role and responsibility.

Reporting code in school guide and website

It is important that everyone at school knows about the reporting code. Not only the staff but also the parents. The school can put the reporting code in the school guide and on the website. The Education Inspectorate checks if schools have a reporting code and use it actively.

False report

Sometimes a report to Safe Home is wrongly used. For example, as pressure to make parents agree to a certain school or education support. These are difficult situations that harm parents and child. Parents can file a complaint with the school governing body about a report to Safe Home. This can happen if the school did not follow the steps in the reporting code.

A complaint can be filed following the complaint procedure of the school.

Duty of care sexual abuse

In cases of sexual abuse by a school employee or volunteer, there is a duty of care. Then a report must always be made. The employee reports suspicions to the school governing body. The body contacts the confidential inspector of the Education Inspectorate. Read more about this on the website of school & safety.