Disclosure is a process that usually takes time, especially in cases of sexual abuse. It is therefore seldom done in one single isolated event. Learners often disclose only small amounts of information at a time over a period, or write a letter to the employee pleading for help.

Effective management of the process of disclosure will ensure that both complainant and employee are protected from additional and unnecessary emotional trauma. It is therefore important to ensure that

• the case is handled confidentially, and within a very short time,
• all relevant role-players are involved from the beginning of the intervention, and
• detailed plans to manage support and intervention are made in the best interest of the complainant.

1. THE COMPLAINANT’S DETAILS:
   
   • Name in full
   • Age
   • Sex
   • Present grade
   • Home address and telephone number
   • Details of parents or caregiver


2. THE NATURE OF THE INCIDENT:
   
   • What did the alleged offender say to the complainant?
   • What action did the alleged offender take against the complainant?
   • Where did the alleged offender touch the complainant?
   • Did the alleged offender threaten the complainant?
   • What did the complainant say or do during the incident?


3. WHEN AND WHERE THE INCIDENT(S) TOOK PLACE:
   
   • The date(s) when the incident(s) occurred;
   • The time(s) when the incident(s) occurred;
   • The place(s) where the incident(s) occurred.


4. THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE INCIDENT:
   
   • Were there any other people present at the time of the incident?
   • Were there any other people who were in the surrounding area who might have witnessed the incident?
   • If there were witnesses, get their full particulars, i.e. for each:
     • Full name
     • Home address and telephone number
     • Age, sex and present grade
   • If the complainant does not know these details, ask her or him the following:
     • What were the physical attributes of the witness?
     • Sex and approximate age and height of the witness?
     • Did the witness have any distinguishing features?


5. HOW DID THE COMPLAINANT EXPERIENCE THE INCIDENT?
   
   • How did the complainant feel at the time of the incident?
   • Record the complainant’s feelings in her or his own words.
   • How is she or he feeling now?
   • Is she or he experiencing any physical or psychological symptoms, and if so what are these symptoms?
   • Write down the words that the complainant uses to describe the incident.


6. FIRST DISCLOSURE BY THE COMPLAINANT:
   
   • Has the complainant related the details of the incident to anyone?
   • If so, obtain the following details:
     • Full name;
     • Home address and telephone number;
     • Age and sex;
     • Nature of the person’s relationship to the complainant.
     • Has the complainant reported the incident to the South African Police Services?
     • If so, obtain the following details:
       • The case number;
       • The name of the police station and the investigating officer;
       • The date on which the incident was reported;
       • Details of any witnesses who have made statements to the SAPS.
   
   
7. DETAILS OF ANY MATERIAL EVIDENCE:
   
   • Has the complainant been to a hospital, general practitioner, district surgeon, social worker, clinic, psychologist or psychiatrist?
   • If so, obtain the following details:
     • The reference number, if any;
     • Information whether there is a J88;
     • The name of the hospital or clinic;
     • The name and telephone number of the general practitioner, nurse, social worker, district surgeon, psychologist or psychiatrist;
     • The dates on which the complainant attended one or more of these services.
   • Obtain the originals or copies of any relevant documents in the complainant’s possession, including any letters or notes received from the alleged offender.
   • Are there any clothes with stains or any other evidence of the incident? If so, obtain the originals or copies thereof, place them in a bag, and if the matter is reported to the SAPS, hand them over for forensic testing.
   
   
8. DETAILS OF THE ALLEGED OFFENDER:
   
   • The full name of the alleged offender;
   • Her or his position at the institution;
   • If the complainant does not know these details, ask:
     • What were the physical attributes of the alleged offender?
     • What were her or his sex and approximate age and height?
     • Did she or he have any distinguishing features?

STEP 1
Ensure the safety of the complainant. (In collaboration with the SAPS and the social worker, ensure that the complainant will not have direct contact with the alleged offender.)

STEP 2
Clarify confidentiality, but explain to the complainant the potential consequences of the disclosure, i.e. that in order to help her or him, you are legally obliged to report the case to other role-players such as the social worker and/or the SAPS. Explain the roles they will play. Explain also the procedures that will be followed (Steps 3 – 9 below).

STEP 3
Inform the institution manager (unless she or he is implicated). No detailed information about the abuse needs to be disclosed at this stage.

STEP 4
The institution manager and the employee immediately contact the relevant role-players in order to decide on the process of intervention.

STEP 5
The institution manager and the employee compile a confidential report that will be used by the social worker and the SAPS. To protect its confidentiality this report must be kept locked in the strongroom or safe with all the relevant documentation on the case.

STEP 6
The institution manager and the employee will meet with the relevant role-players (mentioned in Step 4 above) to draw up a plan of action setting out the responsibility of each participant in the intervention process. Give the H: SLES this information for the attention of the school social worker.

STEP 7
The institution manager follows up with all participants on the progress of the intervention. All information is documented and reported to the employee and all others who will be supporting the complainant.

Pass on this information regularly to the H: SLES for the attention of the school social worker.

STEP 8
Keep the complainant and her or his parent(s) informed of the steps taken by the role-players and the outcome of the investigation.

STEP 9
The institution manager and the employee will monitor the complainant’s emotional, mental and physical health, discuss it with her or his parents, and refer it for further professional help if necessary.