Safeguarding adults

If you are worried that a vulnerable adult may be being abused, or you think you are being abused, go straight to the Worried about someone? page.

The council's Safeguarding Adults Team provides advice and guidance about the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse, and can investigate and take action where appropriate.

What is abuse?

Abuse is a violation of someone's human and civil rights by someone else. It can be:

• physical or sexual, financial - taking money without permission, or neglect - not looking after someone properly
• poor care practices, bullying or humiliating someone, or not allowing contact with friends and family
• a single act or continue over a long period
• unintentional or deliberate; either way it harms the victim physically or emotionally, damaging their wellbeing or development

Abuse often involves criminal acts and the police have a key part to play in dealing with it.

We use the Department of Health's guidance document No Secrets when describing what we mean by abuse.

Who is a vulnerable adult?

Some people are less able to protect themselves than others, and some have difficulty making their wishes and feelings known. This can make them vulnerable to abuse.

We define a vulnerable adult as someone over 18 who:

• is (or may be) in need of community care services because of physical of mental disability, age or illness and
• is (or may be) unable to take care of themselves, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation

You should share your concerns:

• if someone tells you something, or you see or hear something that makes you feel uncomfortable or concerned about the care of a someone or
• if you feel that you may be a vulnerable adult who is not being looked after properly, and you need help to stop it

Staff and volunteers have a duty to report concerns under the Safeguarding Adults procedures.

Crime

For any concerns which may involve a crime, you should contact the Police as soon as possible on 03456 043 043. Be sure to mention that the alleged abuse/crime involves a vulnerable adult.

Other concerns

Other concerns should be referred directly to:

Initial Contact Centre 0845 130 4959
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm

Emergency Out of Hours Team 0191 456 2093
16:30pm to 08:30am, 24 hours at weekends and on Bank Holidays

You could also share your concerns with a nurse, health worker, social care worker, doctor, housing officer, advocacy service or advice centre, and ask them to make a referral for you.

• Adult social care
• Health and social care