The Ironman event takes place this Sunday 14 September in Dorchester
and Weymouth. As some roads and car parks will close there will be
delays, please check
your route before travelling. Weymouth Recycling Centre will not
be open and access to Dorchester Recycling Centre will be disrupted.
If you’re worried that an adult who has care and support needs is being hurt, neglected, and or abused, we’re here to help. Contact us and tell us what you have seen or heard, and we can offer advice and support.
To report a concern:
call 01305 221016 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5pm)
outside of our normal opening hours: 01305 221000
if someone is in immediate danger, call 999
What is adult abuse?
Abuse happens when someone harms another person or puts them at risk - whether on purpose or not.
It can happen once or over time, in someone’s home, in a care setting, or in the community.
The Care Act 2014 identifies ten specific categories of abuse and neglect. Below is a detailed list of what each category can include.
Neglect
Neglect can include:
not providing food, medication, clothing, or care
ignoring someone’s medical or personal needs
failing to provide adequate supervision
leaving someone in unsafe or unsanitary conditions
Self-neglect
Self-neglect can include:
when someone isn’t looking after their own health, hygiene, or safety in a way that puts them at risk
hoarding behaviour
refusing necessary medical treatment
Physical abuse
Physical abuse can include:
hitting, pushing or rough handling
restraining someone inappropriately
giving the wrong medication on purpose
burning or scalding
force-feeding
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse can include:
unwanted touching, sexual comments or attention
sexual activity without consent or when someone cannot give consent
forcing someone to watch pornography
sexual exploitation
Emotional or psychological abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse can include:
bullying, threats, shouting or humiliation
controlling what someone does or who they see
isolating someone from friends or family
gaslighting (manipulating someone into doubting their own sanity)
deprivation of contact with others
Financial and material abuse
Financial and material abuse can include:
stealing money or belongings
pressuring someone to change a will or sign papers
misusing someone’s bank account or benefits
fraud or scams
exploiting someone’s property or possessions
Organisational abuse
Organisational abuse can include:
inflexible routines and lack of choice
poor care standards or practices
Discriminatory abuse
Discriminatory abuse can include:
treating someone unfairly because of their age, disability, race, religion, gender or sexuality
hate crime incidents
harassment or slurs based on personal characteristics
Modern slavery
Modern slavery can include:
being forced to work for little or no money, often in poor conditions
includes human trafficking and exploitation
debt bondage (forcing someone to work to pay off a debt)
domestic servitude
Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse can include:
any kind of controlling, threatening, or violent behaviour between adults who are (or were) intimate partners or family members
includes emotional abuse, coercive control, and financial control
stalking or harassment
honour-based violence
Abuse can happen to any adult, especially if they need support with everyday tasks or find it hard to speak up. However, the local authority can only intervene and provide support to those who have specific care and support needs.
When to report a concern
It is crucial to report a concern when you observe any of the following signs or situations:
you have seen or heard something that worries you
you are worried about someone’s care or wellbeing
you are unsure but something feels wrong
you are a professional, carer, neighbour, or friend
It’s always better to say something if you are worried. You could help someone stay safe.
What happens when you report it
When you contact us:
we will listen to your concerns
we will take what you say seriously and sensitively
we will talk to the adult involved (if appropriate)
we will work with other professionals to understand the situation and take action if needed
the person at risk will be at the centre of every decision
if they have the capacity to decide and don’t want support, we will respect that, unless there’s a risk to others
All information you share will be handled confidentially and in line with The Care Act 2014.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is everyone’s business.
Adult Safeguarding is the action we take to keep people safe who have care and support needs from abuse and neglect.
We follow the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures, agreed across Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
If you’re unsure what to do, just give us a call. We are here to listen and help. You might not have all the details, and that’s okay. Your call could make a real difference.
