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 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 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 can include:
- hitting, pushing or rough handling
- restraining someone inappropriately
- giving the wrong medication on purpose
- burning or scalding
- force-feeding
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 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 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 can include:
- inflexible routines and lack of choice
- poor care standards or practices
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 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 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.
You can read more on the Dorset Safeguarding Adults Board website.
Need more advice?
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.