Some adults aged eighteen and over due to age, disability, illness or lifestyle may not be able to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.
Every day, abuse of adults at risk goes unreported. Local authorities, police and NHS agencies involved with adults who might be at risk of abuse have a duty of care to make sure that procedures are in place to encourage reporting of suspected abuse, and take action to stop the abuse.
Abuse occurs when someone’s human and civil rights are violated by someone else. This can be:
Anyone can abuse and often it can be the person you least expect. Abusers could include:
You can use our safeguarding adults alert form to report any suspected abuse on line.
If you are a professional and suspect abuse use the safeguarding alert form for professionals.
Telephone 0300 123 6721
Telephone 0845 1 25 35 45
For example, a social worker, nurse, doctor, occupational therapist
You can also tell someone you trust. Ask them to report the matter for you.
If you are in immediate danger or you think a criminal act is being committed contact the police by calling 999.
If you tell health or social care staff, they will:
When you report a suspected abuse, you do not have to give your name, but if you do, it will not be given to the people involved.
All suspected incidents of abuse will be investigated fully and appropriately.
Lancashire Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) has a major role to play in ensuring that Lancashire's citizens who are at risk of harm are assisted to be safe and that all agencies contribute to the promotion of their welfare.
