If a child is abused by someone not known to the child or the family, consideration should be given to factors such as the supervision and safety arrangements for the child. If it is believed that a lack of supervision, safety and control amounting to neglect contributed to the abuse, an enquiry under the Safeguarding Procedures should be initiated.
In most cases involving the abuse of a child by a stranger, the investigation will be conducted wholly by the police. Their responsibilities include ensuring that the child’s welfare remains paramount throughout the investigation and any subsequent proceedings.
The investigating officer should inform the Public Protection Unit of the case. The Unit should consider the circumstances of other children in the household of either the victim or the alleged perpetrator and of any other children who may have been in contact with the person under suspicion. A check should be made with Children’s Social Care and, if appropriate, a referral made for further enquiries or an assessment of needs to be undertaken.
