Fear of being blamed or not being believed is a common barrier to both children and adults sharing their experiences of abuse.1 Many of us who work in safeguarding and child protection understand this. However, sometimes the words we use can end up exacerbating children’s fears of not being believed, making it harder for them to talk about their experiences.
You may have heard reference to ‘alleged abuse’ or an ‘alleged incident’ before, perhaps in a news story or even as part of your own work. It’s important to be aware of how using ‘alleged’ in a safeguarding and child protection context can be harmful, including how it can imply that we don’t believe what the child has said or how it may plant doubt in the minds of other professionals.2
Why do we use the term ‘alleged’?
‘Alleged’ is often used in legal settings and by the media.
- Magistrates, District Judges or juries must be sure ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ that someone is guilty.3 Until then there must be impartiality, which is why terms like ‘alleged perpetrator’ and ‘alleged victim’ may be used.
- Journalists and media organisations might use ‘alleged’ as they may face financial or legal consequences if they suggest or state as a fact that a person has carried out a particular behaviour.4
However, when safeguarding professionals adopt this language it can have an impact on the way they respond to incidents and record concerns.
We know that professionals are worried about using leading language that may impact potential criminal investigations, as highlighted in the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel’s report on intrafamilial child sexual abuse.5 This fear can result in professionals resorting to using overly formal or non-committal language, like ‘alleged,’ when talking about abuse and neglect.
> Read our summary of the National review into child sexual abuse within the family environment
Why isn’t ‘alleged’ suitable for safeguarding?
It can imply you don’t believe what has been shared
Talking about ‘alleged’ abuse or neglect is not suitable in safeguarding contexts because it may make a child feel that what has happened to them is being minimised or that you don’t believe what they have shared.6 Using this language with a child could prevent them from continuing to share their experience or from seeking help in the future. It can also be a potential barrier for adults speaking out about concerns, particularly around non-recent abuse or experiences of rape and domestic abuse.7
‘Alleged’ is also a word children and their families may not understand and are unlikely to use themselves. Technical language and professional jargon can make it harder for children to open up and feel comfortable talking about their experiences.8
It isn’t helpful when sharing information with others
When the language professionals use is open to misinterpretation and information isn’t shared clearly it can lead to delays in getting the right help for a child.9
The term ‘alleged’ is an example of this. Its meaning is both loaded and ambiguous as it implies that there is a claim that something happened or that someone is suspected of doing something, but there’s not yet proof.10,11
When communicating with other professionals, talking about the ‘alleged abuse’ or ‘alleged incident’ may suggest to them that you have doubts about whether the abuse or the incident happened. This may then impact the way they perceive the child or situation.12
It’s important to use non-judgemental language
Be transparent and open with the child you are working with and reflect back what they’ve said in their own words. This can help to build a trusting relationship with them.13
> Read more about how to respond if children talk about abuse
Example phrases you can use instead of ‘alleged’ when recording what a child or young person has said:
- shared
- reported
- told us
- described how.14
This language records the child’s experience in a neutral, factual and non-leading way. Always aim to keep reports simple and factual, using accessible language that is free of jargon and including the child’s own words where appropriate.15
References
Jay, A et al (2019) Sexual abuse of children in custodial institutions: 2009-2017 investigation report. [Accessed 24/10/2025].Tranchese, A. (2024) Reporting on rape: changing the narrative (PDF). [London]: End Violence Against Women.
Crown Prosecution Service (2022) How a criminal case works. [Accessed 24/10/2025].
Knowles, R. (2025) Explainer: what does 'alleged' mean in court reporting and why is it crucial to unbiased coverage? [Accessed 24/10/2025].
NSPCC (2024) Summary of the National review into child sexual abuse within the family environment: CASPAR briefing. [Accessed 24/10/2025].
Cafcass (2024) Domestic abuse practice policy (PDF). Slough: Cafcass.
Tranchese, A. (2024) Reporting on rape: changing the narrative (PDF). [London]: End Violence Against Women.
The Children’s Society (2024) Appropriate language: child exploitation. [Accessed 24/10/2025].
NSPCC (2025) Multi-agency working and information sharing: learning from case reviews. [Accessed 24/10/2025].
Tranchese, A. (2024) Reporting on rape: changing the narrative (PDF). [London]: End Violence Against Women.
Knowles, R. (2025) Explainer: what does 'alleged' mean in court reporting and why is it crucial to unbiased coverage? [Accessed 24/10/2025].
Tranchese, A. (2024) Reporting on rape: changing the narrative (PDF). [London]: End Violence Against Women.
Cafcass (2024) Domestic abuse practice policy (PDF). Slough: Cafcass.
Tranchese, A. (2024) Reporting on rape: changing the narrative (PDF). [London]: End Violence Against Women.
NSPCC (2024) What helps to support effective multi-agency working and information sharing? [Accessed 24/10/2025].