In safeguarding and psychological literature, a concerning pattern sometimes arises when the welfare of children is subordinated to the protection of an alleged or known abuser. This is often described as perpetrator-centred protection, or offender shielding, and can occur within families, institutions, or social networks.
Key characteristics include:
- Minimising or dismissing concerns raised by children or non-offending adults
- Prioritising family reputation, social standing, or institutional integrity over safety
- Discouraging reporting to child protection services, law enforcement, or medical professionals
- Using silence, secrecy, or legal tools (e.g., NDAs or gag clauses) to restrict disclosure
- Shifting blame or responsibility onto the victim or other family members
Psychological and safeguarding implications:
- Children remain exposed to ongoing risk of harm
- Victims experience isolation, invalidation, and reduced access to support
- Families may unwittingly reinforce the offender’s control and power
- Systems fail to identify patterns of abuse, allowing escalation
Why it happens:
Research identifies multiple contributing factors, including:
- Fear of stigma or reputational damage
- Loyalty conflicts within families or institutions
- Cognitive dissonance or denial
- Misunderstanding of child protection responsibilities
Guiding principles for safeguarding and advocacy:
- Child safety is paramount — legal, familial, or institutional interests never override protection.
- Early reporting and intervention are critical to prevent harm.
- Support networks must prioritise the child and non-offending caregivers, rather than focusing on the alleged perpetrator.
- Training and awareness for families, schools, and institutions help prevent inadvertent collusion or shielding.
Summary:
Perpetrator-centred protection is not about intent; it is about impact. Even well-meaning adults can inadvertently enable abuse if they prioritise reputation, comfort, or loyalty over the child’s safety. Safeguarding frameworks exist to prevent this and to ensure accountability and protective action.
