Safeguarding adults: information for patients, families and carers.

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.

Anyone – your friend, a teacher, relative, carer or a stranger.

Anywhere – at home, in hospital, at work, or in a public place.

• 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.

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