Equality Act Duties in Safeguarding Contexts

Written By Samantha Avril-Andreassen

Equality Act 2010 and Domestic Abuse Safeguarding

Understand how Equality Act 2010 duties apply in domestic abuse and safeguarding contexts, including reasonable adjustments and participation protection.

Equality Act Duties in Safeguarding Contexts

The Equality Act 2010 imposes legal duties on public bodies and service providers to prevent discrimination and provide reasonable adjustments where disability is present.

This applies in safeguarding and legal environments.

Reasonable Adjustments

If trauma, PTSD, or anxiety disorder meets the threshold of disability:

Public bodies must consider:

  • Communication adjustments

  • Scheduling accommodations

  • Structured questioning formats

  • Environmental modifications

  • Support mechanisms

Adjustments are not optional kindness. They are compliance obligations.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Under Section 149:

Public authorities must have due regard to:

  • Eliminating discrimination

  • Advancing equality of opportunity

  • Fostering good relations

This includes recognising participation impairment.

Risk of Procedural Unfairness

Failure to apply Equality Act duties can result in:

  • Reduced credibility weight

  • Misinterpretation of stress behaviour

  • Disproportionate harm

  • Systemic safeguarding failure

SAFECHAIN™ integrates Equality Act compliance into a measurable safeguarding framework.

Samantha Avril-Andreassen https://www.themagicccircle.com
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