Abuse can happen anywhere and can be carried out by anyone. This could be family, friends, neighbours, paid staff, carers or volunteers. It could also be other service users, tenants or strangers.

What is Abuse?

Abuse is anything that harms another person and might include:

• physical abuse – such as hitting, pushing or slapping
• domestic abuse – such as psychological, sexual or physical
• psychological abuse – such as bullying, taunting or humiliating someone
• sexual abuse – such as inappropriate touching, forcing someone to take part in any sexual act against their will
• financial abuse – such as misusing, withholding or taking someone’s money
• neglect – such as not providing necessary food, care or medicine

People who require care and support must be able to trust and depend on the people they rely on for help. No abuse is acceptable. Some abuse is a criminal offence and should be reported to the police as soon as possible.

What does Safeguarding mean?

Safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse or neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse and neglect.

Safeguarding duties

The safeguarding duties apply to an adult who:

• has needs for care and support (whether or not the council is meeting any of those needs)
• is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect
• is unable to protect themselves from, or is at risk of abuse or neglect as a result of their care and support needs.