Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) statement regarding report on safeguarding failures in HSE-run adult residential facility
The Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) is shocked and very concerned by the content of this report and our thoughts are with Resident A and her family.
One particular concern is the fact that Resident A experienced sexual harm in 2023, which was perpetrated by a fellow resident (Resident B), nine years after experiencing similar harmful sexual behaviour from the same Resident B. Despite safeguarding assessments being carried out after the initial incident, in 2014, the safeguarding plan put in place then was not appropriately communicated to all relevant staff over the following years, neither was the plan appropriately reviewed, updated and actioned. These failures in communication, re-assessment, safeguarding governance and management contributed to the failure to prevent the second harmful incident.
Safeguarding requires more than plans. It requires actions to ensure people vulnerable to abuse are protected from harm. It is clear from this report that Resident A experienced preventable sexual harm due to inadequate safeguarding in her home, the place where she should be safest and most protected. We also acknowledge that Resident B was also failed. He requires safeguarding, to allow him to live a life of dignity, where he is supported to live safely with others. The HSE must reflect, in light of the Brandon report and this report, how it can translate words into actions to ensure safeguarding in such state-run facilities is real, proactive and a routine part of daily activity and management in those care settings.
As a society, we need to seriously reflect on how we respond when women with disabilities experience sexual harm. No woman should be expected to live in close proximity to someone who has sexually harmed them or to be exposed to such risks, especially where risks have been identified and harm already caused. We acknowledge the challenges such incidences create for service providers, but ultimately the needs and rights of the victim, and potential victims, must inform decision making. We call on the HSE to develop and implement a sexual safety policy that specifically takes account of the trauma caused for those residents living in close proximity to known perpetrators and those known to pose a risk of sexual harm and abuse.
Read the RTE article here: https://www.rte.ie/news/health/2024/0821/1465931-safeguarding-review/
