Guidance on Abuse and Safeguarding 2017

 

This guidance is provided for anyone using our premises or services, in order that they shall be able to fulfil our Safeguarding Policy 2017

What are abuse and neglect?

Abuse is behaviour that deliberately or unintentionally causes harm. It is a disregard of a person’s human rights and in the worst cases can endanger life.

Abuse can be physical, sexual, financial, psychological, organisational, discrimination, domestic abuse, modern slavery (human trafficking, forced labour).

Neglect can be any failure to provide for, protect or keep safe any dependent person.

People can also be at risk from self-neglect to their hygiene, nutrition, health or surroundings.

What are the most common signs of abuse in Children and Vulnerable Adults?

General signs that someone has been, or is being, abused include:

• Signs of fear or distress
• Withdrawal or isolation
• Self-neglect or basic physical and emotional needs not being properly met by others
• Unexplained pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease
• Unexplained injury/repeated visits to a GP or Accident & Emergency Department
• Not able to pay bills or buy food even though enough money should be available

Which adults are at risk of abuse?

‘Adults at risk’ are people aged 18+ who:

• May rely on other people or services to care for them or support them with day-to-day tasks – maybe because of their age, a physical or learning disability, other physical or mental health need or involvement in substance misuse
• May lack mental capacity
• May not be able to speak up for themselves

Where might the abuse happen?

Abuse can happen anywhere – in people’s own homes, public places, day centres, residential homes, hospitals and GPs’ surgeries, colleges, police stations and prisons.

Who abuses?

Anyone can be an abuser - professionals, volunteers, trades people, family members, carers, partners, friends, neighbours and other adults at risk.

How to report it

If you see or hear something that concerns you and you suspect that abuse may be happening, or someone tells you they have been abused call Social Care Direct:

                        03000 267 979

An officer will listen carefully to what you say, give advice and take a safeguarding referral if necessary. Your concerns will always be taken seriously and your details will be kept confidential.

Concerns about children should also be reported to Social Care Direct on this number.

03000 267 979

If the person is in immediate danger call 999 straight away, before contacting Social Care Direct.

What happens next?

Social Care Direct will treat every report of suspected abuse seriously and keep you informed of the outcome. They will take steps to ensure the immediate safety of the person at risk and anyone else affected by the alleged abuse, including children. They will talk with the ‘person at risk’ (or a suitable representative or advocate on their behalf) to find out what is happening. They will work together with them to plan what to do to help keep them safe and as independent as possible.

We will always do what we can to prevent abuse happening again. You will also receive any advice you may need as a result of reporting your concerns.

 

 

DS 13/12/17

Reviewed and confirmed by Council 12 March 2024