Who may need safeguarding?
Adult safeguarding applies to adults who have care and support needs, who are at risk of or are experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation (made to do things they don’t want to in return for money, accommodation, ‘love’ and presents for example).
Care and support needs may be a result of physical needs or health issues, poor mental health, cognitive or learning difficulties, or due to other factors like age or being a carer. Having care and support needs does not automatically mean someone is at risk of abuse or neglect, but it may impact some adults ability to recognise risks or protect themselves.
Abuse and neglect can happen anywhere, including in public or in someone’s own home. Sometimes it happens in care settings, like care homes, hospital or day services.
Who can be an abuser?
Anyone with access to the person can abuse or neglect adults, whether intentionally or not. It is usually someone who is known to the adult, like a family member, friend or neighbour, or even someone they care for. It can also be professionals, such as a care worker or volunteer, or might be strangers who target specific people.
What does abuse or neglect look like?
You might be concerned that someone is being abused or neglected, or maybe you are experiencing it yourself. You may see something that concerns you, or someone might tell you they are being abused. Someone might share concerns with you about a family member, friend, colleague or neighbour. Remember - it is enough to suspect abuse to report it.
There are many different ways in which someone can be abused. The Care and support statutory guidance identifies ten categories of abuse. Click on any of the types below for examples of what an adult at risk might experience
SSASPB have produced a leaflet with more information that you might want to share with someone you have concerns about or who is concerned about someone else.
Reporting abuse
You need to report abuse to the local authority team for the area where you know or suspect the abuse or neglect is happening. See our 'report abuse' page for more details.