7.4 Non-recent abuse
Safeguarding concerns or allegations may be about something recent (going on now and/or may happen in the future) or non-recent (something that happened in the past). Non-recent allegations of abuse must be treated as seriously as recent allegations. Research evidences that it may take up to 25 years or longer for an adult to disclose sexual abuse that happened to him/her either as a child or younger adult.
A victim/survivor needs to be aware that if a respondent is known to be currently working with children/vulnerable adults in either a paid or voluntary capacity, the DSA will make a referral to the local child/adult services and/or the Police. The Head of Safeguarding (HoS) will make this referral.
Please note that any safeguarding concern or allegation made against a church officer who has died must also be reported to the Head of Safeguarding (HoS).