What is Adult Safeguarding
Adult safeguarding is about keeping people safe from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Abuse can happen in many ways, and it’s not always easy to spot. Do not assume someone else will report it. If you have seen or heard something, please speak up
Who might need safeguarding?
Any adults with care and support needs who may be at risk of abuse or neglect.
Abuse and neglect can include exploitation, which could be adults being forced to do things they don’t want to do in return for money, a place to live, gifts or attention.
Safeguarding adults under Section 42 of the Care Act (2014) does not cover suicidal thoughts or self-harm. If you are worried about an adult at risk because of their mental health, please contact their GP or the right mental health service.
Types of abuse
- Physical – Hurting someone physically e.g., hitting, slapping or kicking. This can include the use of inappropriate force.
- Domestic – Abuse happening in close relationships e.g., family members.
- Sexual – Forcing or pressurising someone into sexual activity they do not want or cannot agree to.
- Psychological - Making them feel scared, controlled or isolated.
- Financial or material – Taking control of another person’s money, property or belongings without consent.
- Modern Slavery – Forcing someone to work or live in conditions they cannot leave.
- Discriminatory – Treating someone badly because of who they are.
- Organisational – Poor care or neglect happening in a service, like a hospital, care home or home care.
- Neglect and acts of omission – Someone not getting the care or help they need.
- Self-neglect – When someone’s health, safety, or wellbeing is at risk because they are not meeting their health or personal needs, or neglecting their property.
To report an urgent concern
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call emergency services on 999.
To report a non-urgent concern
When you report a concern, we may ask for your contact details. If you are a member of the public, you can choose to stay anonymous.
To speak to an adult safeguarding team about a non-urgent concern, call 0345 604 2719. This service is open between Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (closed on Bank Holidays).
If you need to report an urgent concern overnight, at the weekend or on a Bank Holiday, contact the Emergency Duty Service:
- Phone: 0345 604 2886
- Text: 07815 492613
What happens after you report abuse?
You can be involved in the process as much as you want to be, and we will provide you with the support that you need to do so.
- A trained worker will look into the concern. They will do this carefully and sensitively, following local rules.
- We may share the information with other organisations, like the police.
- There may be meetings to decide what should happen next.
- We will give you information and advice so you can make choices.
- We will offer help and support if you need it
