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Spurgeons and Dad.Info doesn’t investigate reports of abuse or neglect. But below, you can find advice on who to contact if you have concerns about a child or young person.
Reporting a concern
It can be difficult to know what to do if you think a child is at risk. It’s important to remember that if you’ve spotted things that don’t seem right, others will have too. Speaking up can make sure that child gets help as soon as possible.
The sooner you contact your local children’s social care duty team, the quicker they can act. They’re available 24 hours a day, and can make an anonymous report if that feels safer. If a child is in immediate danger, please call the police straight away by dialling 999.
Report child abuse or neglect to your local council
Use these links to get in touch with your local council:
I have an 11 month old daughter and love my girlfriend. When things go well, it's amazing, but there are times when it is very hard.
My girlfriend has a habit of creating dangerous situations. This morning I found the baby playing with a screwdriver while my girlfriend was trying to put batteries in a toy. We constantly have these dangerous but completely avoidable episodes. The reason I'm so concerned is that we've already had several hospital visits and an ambulance visit in the past 11 months, and each accident was completely avoidable.
Every time this things happen, I have to mention it and (in her mind) I become the guy who always moans and says "no". It is beginning to negatively affect our relationship. It also means I'm constantly on edge and don't have time for anything else (seeing friends, exercise, etc) because I'm constantly braced for another accident at any moment.
How do you deal with this? I don't have other friends who are parents and don't really have anyone to ask for advice. I can't talk to my girlfriend without it descending into another arguement.
Thanks in advance.
Hi there
It's a difficult situation for you, but unless you can get your girlfriend to see sense I can't see how you can find a remedy for this.
If these accidents involving your child continue, the doctor/hospital may well pick up on it and I'm sure your girlfriend wouldn't want that.
I think you need to have a heart to heart talk about it, are you able to speak to her parents or close family member that might have a friendly chat with her about being more aware of consequences?
I would discuss this with your GP to see if there is any help you can get locally, as you really need to find a solution to this before an accident happens, rather than having to deal with the aftermath of one.