This leaflet will tell you what to do if you or someone you know is being abused.
What is abuse?
Physical abuse –being hit, kicked, locked in a room.
Psychological abuse – being bullied or shouted at.
Financial abuse– when someone takes your money, fraud.
Neglect – not being looked after properly or ignored.
Sexual abuse – when someone touches your body or your private parts without permission.
Self-neglect – not looking after yourself.
Discrimination – not being treated in the right way because of race, gender, religion or sexuality.
Who might be an abuser?
Anyone – your friend, a teacher, relative, carer or a stranger.
Where can abuse happen?
Anywhere – at home, in hospital, at work, or in a public place.
What can I do to help someone else who is being abused?
- Direct them to this page and ask them to read it.
- Call social services to tell someone about the abuse.
- Talk to a health care professional – GP, nurse, OT,
- physio, carer, doctor or social worker.
- If you think a crime has taken place, call the police on 111 or 999.
- If someone is hurt and needs help – call 999 straight away.
Helpful contacts
Mencap – Learning Disability helpline
9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday
Phone: 0808 808 1111
National Domestic Violence helpline
24 hours
Freephone: 0808 2000 247
Samaritans helpline
24 hours
Phone: 116 123
Patient advice liaison service (PALS)
Providing confidential advice and support, assistance sorting out any concerns and guiding patients through the different services available.
Moorfields Direct
Our helpline is staffed by knowledgeable ophthalmic nurses from:
- 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday.
- 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.