Safeguarding Culture: Language is Key
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Safeguarding Culture: Language is Key
When it comes to safeguarding, the words we choose often frame how victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation are perceived, supported and protected. A strong safeguarding culture ensures that language is used thoughtfully, fostering trust and empowerment while reducing barriers for those seeking the support they need.
A safeguarding culture rooted in trauma-informed practices focuses on language that validates victims’ experiences, holds abusers accountable and encourages those at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation to come forward. This approach highlights that safeguarding culture is not just about policies and procedures, it’s also about building an environment of trust, respect and dignity.
How Safeguarding Culture and Language has Changed over Time
Safeguarding culture has evolved alongside society’s growing understanding of abuse and exploitation. Shaped by survivor-led advocacy, legal updates and societal attitudes, this progress underscores the power of words in protecting vulnerable individuals.
The 1980s and 1990s: Increased recognition of child abuse and exploitation introduced terms like “child protection” and “Child Sexual Exploitation” (CSE). However, harmful phrases like “child prostitute” persisted, perpetuating stigma and undermining the experiences of victims.
By the 2000s: High-profile cases like the Rotherham CSE scandal revealed the dangers of victim-blaming language, such as describing abusers as “boyfriends” or labelling children’s actions as “risky behaviours”. These failures became a catalyst for change, pushing safeguarding culture toward more accurate and compassionate terminology.
Today: Safeguarding culture embraces trauma-informed language that prioritises victims’ dignity and well-being. For example, the Appropriate Language Guide provides clear recommendations for professionals, replacing phrases that imply victim complicity, such as “involved in exploitation”. These shifts reflect a safeguarding culture that is more attuned to avoiding victim-blaming language, reducing feelings of shame and fostering trust between victims and the professionals offering them support and help.
Why Safeguarding Culture Matters
A strong safeguarding culture is about more than avoiding harmful language, it’s about fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to report abuse and seek help. This cultural shift brings several benefits:
- Empathy and Understanding: Using respectful, victim-centred language helps victims feel heard and validated.
- Accountability: Placing responsibility squarely on perpetrators removes blame from victims.
- Prevention: When safeguarding culture emphasises clear and accurate language, it helps identify risks earlier and supports effective interventions.
- Trust: A culture that prioritises compassion and dignity builds trust between victims and professionals, encouraging them to seek help.
Safeguarding culture also extends to professionals and organisations. Continuous training and reflection are essential to ensure that language remains trauma-informed and that safeguarding practices align with the principles of trust, respect and inclusivity.
If you would like more help choosing the best safeguarding course for yourself or your organisation, you can get in touch with our friendly customer service team by calling us on 01327 552030, emailing us at hello@smarthorizons.co.uk or using the contact form on our website.