Safeguarding Adults
What to do if you suspect an adult is being abused or neglected — who to contact, what happens next and what safeguarding investigations involve.
Key Facts
- Any adult at risk can be subject to safeguarding — not just those with care packages
- Types of abuse include physical, emotional, financial, sexual, neglect and institutional
- Report concerns to the local council's adult safeguarding team
- In an emergency, always call 999 first
- Safeguarding investigations are led by the council with police involvement if needed
- Whistleblowing by care workers is protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act
What Is Adult Safeguarding?
Adult safeguarding is the process of protecting adults who have care and support needs from abuse, neglect or exploitation. It applies to anyone over 18 who has care and support needs (whether or not the council is meeting them) and who is unable to protect themselves because of those needs.
Types of Abuse
Abuse can take many forms: physical (hitting, restraint), emotional or psychological (threats, isolation), financial (theft, fraud, coercion into changing a will), sexual, neglect (failing to provide food, warmth, medication or care), institutional (poor practice in a care setting), discriminatory, modern slavery, and domestic abuse. It can be carried out by anyone — family members, paid carers, neighbours, professionals or strangers.
How to Report a Concern
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise, contact your local council's adult safeguarding team — usually found via the council website. You can report concerns about someone else, even if you are not certain abuse is happening. Reports can be made anonymously.
You can also report concerns about a regulated care provider to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, or equivalent bodies in Wales (CIW), Scotland (CI) and Northern Ireland (RQIA).