How to report Abuse
What is abuse?
Every child has the right to be kept safe from all forms of abuse that injure them either physically or emotionally.
Neglect occurs when adults fail to meet the child's essential needs such as providing adequate shelter, food, warmth, clothing and medical care. It also includes leaving children who cannot look after themselves alone or without proper supervision.
Physical Abuse is when a person injures/harms a child, or does not knowingly prevent it. For example, using excessive force, hitting, shaking, squeezing, burning, biting, suffocating and drowning. It also includes allowing inappropriate use of drugs, medication or alcohol by children.
Sexual Abuse is when a child is forced to take part in a sexual activity, using the child to satisfy sexual desires. It is also an abuse to allow children access to obscene books, videos and other material.
Emotional Abuse occurs when adults persistently fail to show the child love and affection, or they may threaten, taunt or shout, or the child may witness domestic violence, causing the child to lose confidence, become nervous or withdrawn.
Want to report abuse?
Here are some useful numbers;
Initial Assessment Team (Duty Desk) - 01582 547653
Emergency Duty Team - 0300 3008123
Public Protection Support Team - 01234 846960
I am a professional. Can I ring for advice if I am worried about a child?
Yes, if you would like to talk over any concerns you have, please ring the Initial Assessment Team (IAT) at Luton Borough Council. Staff will talk over with you whether the situation meets the criteria for a referral to the service. This may be particularly helpful for long term chronic situations or where the concerns are borderline or if the issue is unusual or complex. If the IAT feel the child is at risk, the staff member will insist that you make a referral and will help you do this in a sensitive manner.
To make a referral to the Public Protection Support Team of Bedfordshire Police, please ring 01234 846960
I am a member of the public and I am worried about a child, who do I contact?
If the child is in immediate danger, call the Police on 999
If you want to discuss your concerns with a social worker, please contact the Initial Assessment Team on 01582 547653
To report your concerns to Bedfordshire Police, please ring 01234 841212