Years ago DH neice disclosed something concerning. I spoke with my DH and also got professional advice on what to do. I ended up putting in a SS referral. This was later NFA'd (no further action). At the time I learned that the niece's nursery also put in a referral which was also NFA'd. It resulted in restricted access to the niece, going on holiday etc with us, and we were treated as though we were stirring the pot unnecessarily (initiated by mum, but difficult to determine who was driving this decision - abuser?). I did speak to DH brother at the time, who told me that his daughter had a tendency to lie and that I shouldn't be surprised that myself and DH had been limited in when we could see our niece, owing to the perceived malicious SS referral.
Roughly 10 years later, our niece and her sibling and mum have been rehoused for DV amongst other things. To be clear, not from the dad mentioned above, but the step dad, who will appear in court next year.
I can't help but feel angry and guilty that I should have pushed harder. Our niece disclosed to me and although trying and going through the 'right channels' these concerns were not addressed and instead she and her family endured years of abuse.
SS had at least 2 separate places putting a referral through, but nothing (1 from myself and other from nursery). It was missed.
I'm interested whether the earlier referrals will be looked into again, whether questions will be asked in why was it missed. I just feel angry. I know my anger is reactive at the moment and I'm still in shock but wondering how others would feel about all of this, any advice?