Suspected abuse or neglect of an adult at risk or vulnerable adult

We believe that every adult has the right to be treated with dignity, have their choices respected and live a life free from fear.

Disability, illness or frailty means that many adults over the age of 18 have to rely on other people to help them in their day-to-day living . Sadly, it is because they have to depend on others that they become vulnerable and at risk, very often from people they know such as a relative, friend, neighbour or paid carer.

What is abuse?

Abuse can take many forms and all of them are distressing.

• Physical, for example hitting, slapping , pushing or inappropriately physically restraining, or the mismanagement of medication
• Psychological or emotional, for example shouting and swearing to make a person afraid
• Sexual, for example unwanted touching, kissing or sexual intercourse
• Financial, for example money or belongings taken under pressure or misused without consent
• Neglect, for example not being properly cared for, mismanaging medication or being denied privacy, choice or social contact
• Discriminatory, for example suffering abuse or neglect on the grounds of religion, culture, gender, sexuality or disability
• Institutional, for example unsatisfactory professional practice, pervasive ill treatment or gross misconduct indicating an abusive climate

How we can help

Abuse can take place anywhere: in a person's own home, in a residential or nursing home or a day centre or hospital. Unfortunately those being abused are often the least likely to bring the situation to anyone's attention.

If you see, or know of a worrying situation please do not ignore it. Get in touch with us and we will do something about it. This may mean acting directly on your information and/or contacting other services to put an end to an abusive or neglectful situation.

We will also provide information and offer practical advice to the person suffering abuse, so that they can make an informed choice about any help they might need, or any action they may wish to take. If they are unable to make an informed choice, care will be taken to support and protect them.

If the adult is in immediate danger or in need of medical attention, or if a crime has been committed, contact the Emergency Services - Police and/or Ambulance Service. Contact one of the following agencies depending on the circumstances:

• Older people/adults with physical disabilities - Phone 0800 085 6666
• Adults with learning disabilities - Phone 01793 466724
• Adults with mental health problems - Under 65s Phone 01793 715000. Over 65s Phone 01793 327800
• Vulnerable Persons Unit, Swindon Police - Phone 01380 734212 (during office hours only, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm)
• Out of hours emergency duty service - Phone 01793 436699
• Police out of hours - Phone 101

If you are unsure who to contact, Careline is the first point of contact for all referrals and general enquiries relating to Adult Social Care. You can contact them on 0800 085 6666 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4.30pm Friday (except on bank holidays).

To download a referral form or for further information on Safeguarding Adults at Risk, please click on one of the links below.

Referral Form

More information on Adult Protection