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what would you do if you had a concern about someone’s behaviour towards a child or adult in world vision’s programmes?

If you have a concern about someone’s behaviour towards a child or adult in World Vision’s programmes, you should treat it as a serious safeguarding issue and act quickly, not ignore it.

First steps: what you should do

  1. Make sure the person is safe right now
    • If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or the relevant authority straight away (police, child protection, social services), then inform World Vision through its reporting channels.
 * Avoid confronting the alleged person yourself if it could escalate the situation or put you or the child/adult at further risk.
  1. Report your concern to World Vision safeguarding staff
    • Use World Vision’s safeguarding / child and adult protection channels : this might be a designated safeguarding officer, national safeguarding lead, hotline, email address, online form, or complaints mechanism, depending on the country office.
 * If you are staff, volunteer, or partner, report to your **line manager or supervisor** and/or directly to the safeguarding focal point as your policy requires; all personnel are obligated to report any suspicion of abuse or policy violation.

 * If you are a sponsor, visitor, or community member, use the reporting contact details listed on sponsorship materials, World Vision websites, or local project information boards.
  1. Provide clear, factual information
    • Share what you know: dates, times, locations, what you saw or heard, names or descriptions of those involved, and any witnesses, as accurately as you can.
 * Stick to **observations and disclosures** , not rumours; you don’t need proof to report a concern, but you should be honest and specific about what raised your concern.

While and after you report

  1. Maintain confidentiality
    • Only discuss the concern with people who need to know to respond (e.g., safeguarding staff, designated managers, authorities as required).
 * Protect the identity and privacy of the child or adult at risk, including being careful with photos, names, and locations shared in any communications or online.
  1. Follow policies and procedures
    • World Vision’s Child and Adult Safeguarding policies explain acceptable behaviour, reporting duties, and response processes; all staff and affiliates are expected to follow these and comply with national child protection and safeguarding laws.
 * Many offices require **reporting within a specific timeframe** (for example, within 24 hours of first notice of a suspicion or allegation).
  1. Let the safeguarding system work
    • Once reported, safeguarding teams investigate, assess risk, and decide on actions, which can range from protective measures to dismissal of staff and reporting to law enforcement.
 * The priority is the **safety and recovery of the child or adult** , which may include medical care, psychosocial support, and assistance seeking justice.
  1. Document and follow up appropriately
    • Keep a personal record of what you reported and when, in case further clarification is needed later.
 * If you are part of the organisation and it’s appropriate, you may check in with the safeguarding focal point to confirm that the concern is being handled, without pressing for confidential details.

If you feel your concern is not addressed

  • If internal channels do not seem to respond adequately, or if you believe there is ongoing risk, you can raise the concern with:
    • National child protection or social welfare authorities.
* Law enforcement, where a crime may have been committed (for example, sexual abuse, physical assault, exploitation).
  • World Vision policies generally recognise the right and duty to report abuse externally in line with law and humanitarian standards.

Simple answer you can remember

If you see or suspect harmful behaviour towards a child or adult in a World Vision programme, do not stay silent : make sure the person is safe, report it quickly through World Vision’s safeguarding channels or your supervisor, share clear facts, keep it confidential, and, if necessary, also report to appropriate authorities.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.