Safeguarding
Each local authority has a duty to protect adults with care and support needs and their right to live in safety, free from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This is called safeguarding.
Your local council has safeguarding responsibilities for you if you are an adult with care and support needs, even if they are not supporting you with those needs.
Abuse and neglect can happen anywhere, in your own home or a public place. The person causing the harm may be a stranger or someone you know, such as a relative, neighbour, or health and care professional.
There are different kinds of abuse and neglect, which can include sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse, and discrimination. Neglect includes ignoring medical or physical care needs and not being taken care of properly.
You can raise a safeguarding concern about yourself or someone you know. If you raise a safeguarding concern with your local authority, your concerns will be taken seriously. They will consider the referral, gather information, and determine the next steps required, which may lead to a Section 42 safeguarding inquiry.
If abuse is happening, they will put a safeguarding plan in place. Consent will be sought in every situation where possible, unless it puts the person at more risk.
Your local authority will make sure that the adult's well-being is promoted and will take their views, wishes, feelings, and beliefs into consideration when deciding on any actions.
If you're concerned about the safety of yourself or someone you know, please contact your local authority. If you wish to report a crime, call 101, or if it's a medical emergency, call 999.