Safeguarding aims to keep adults with care and support needs safe from abuse or neglect. Some adults may be particularly at risk of abuse because they have a disability, illness or impairment, so they depend on others for help and support.
Abuse or neglect of an adult with care and support needs may include:
• physical or sexual abuse
• bullying or humiliation
• lack of help with medical or physical needs
• stopping contact with family or friends
• taking money without permission.
Abuse and neglect can be a one-off act or something that happens over weeks, months or years. It can be intentional or unintentional.
It can occur anywhere, ranging from a person’s own home to at a hospital, day centre, sheltered housing or care home.
The person causing the harm may be a stranger, but often they're usually in a position of trust and power such as a health or care professional, relative or neighbour. They can also be a family member or friend.
The following are examples of abuse and neglect:
The following are examples of abuse and neglect:
If you are the victim of abuse or neglect
If you are a member of the public (such as a friend, relative or unpaid carer)
If you are a professional
If you think someone is in immediate danger and/or requires urgent medical attention, call 999. To report a crime or potential crime to the Police, you can phone the non-emergency number 101.
The Gloucestershire Safeguarding Adults Board (GSAB) website, managed by Gloucestershire County Council, includes more about the safeguarding of adults with care and support needs, as well as how to report a concern and links to other specialist organisations who can help.