Hidden harm is not always easy to recognise, but understanding possible signs, listening without judgement and knowing how to respond could help protect a child or adult who may be at risk.
Safeguarding Week 2026 takes place from Monday, November 9, to Friday, November 13, with this year’s regional theme focusing on Hidden Harm in Our Communities.
Throughout the week, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council will join Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board and other partner organisations to raise awareness of the different ways harm can remain hidden and the important role that residents, professionals and communities can play in recognising and responding to concerns.
Hidden harm can take many forms. It may happen behind closed doors, within relationships, online or through situations and behaviours that are not immediately recognised as safeguarding concerns.
A person experiencing harm may also find it difficult to tell someone what is happening because of fear, shame, control, isolation or dependency. While no single sign necessarily means that someone is at risk, changes in behaviour or circumstances should not automatically be dismissed.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. It means looking beyond the obvious, taking concerns seriously and sharing them through the appropriate safeguarding routes.
The Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board’s regional activity programme includes a varied programme of online events covering important safeguarding issues.
Sessions include AI and child sexual abuse, gambling-related harm, suicide and self-harm, domestic abuse, perpetrator behaviour, child criminal exploitation, county lines, DBS responsibilities, professional curiosity, self-neglect and hoarding, spiking and child sexual exploitation.
The programmeincludes contributions from a range of organisations and speakers, including Respect, the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Wes Cunliffe, TARIAN ROCU, the Disclosure and Barring Service and others.
Whether you work directly with children or adults, have safeguarding responsibilities or simply want to develop your knowledge, Safeguarding Week provides an opportunity to learn more about some of the harms affecting people and communities.
Take a look at the full programme and book your place on the sessions that interest you.
Together, we can help recognise hidden harm and strengthen safeguarding across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Social Care, said: “Harm is not always visible, and someone who needs help may not feel able to tell others what is happening. Changes in behaviour, unexplained circumstances or something that does not seem right may indicate that further support is needed.
“Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, but nobody is expected to investigate a concern themselves. What matters is that we listen without judgement, look beyond the obvious and share concerns through the appropriate safeguarding routes.
“This year’s programme provides an important opportunity for residents and professionals to learn more about the different ways hidden harm can affect people in our communities, how to recognise possible concerns and how to respond appropriately.
“I encourage everyone to explore the programme and take part in the sessions that are relevant to them.”
Reporting a safeguarding concern
Any person with concerns about the safety of a child or adult at risk, or the behaviour of an employee towards a child or adult at risk, has a responsibility to report the concern:
For more information about safeguarding in Rhondda Cynon Taf, visit the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Safeguarding Board website: Safeguarding Board | Safeguarding, Cwm Taf Morgannwg
Posted on 09/11/2026