How to Raise a Concern

Anyone could be at risk of abuse or neglect. A person may be more or less vulnerable at different times in their life.
An adult at risk of abuse or neglect is:
• an adult who has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs for care and support);
• experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect; and
• as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.

There are lots of different types of abuse, including:
Physical abuse – someone being hit, slapped or kicked, being locked in a room or restrained inappropriately.
Sexual abuse – someone being made to take part in sexual activity when they haven’t given consent, or are not able to give consent.
Emotional or psychological abuse – someone being shouted at, bullied, being made to feel frightened or pressurised into decisions.
Financial abuse – stealing, fraud, withholding or misusing someone’s money or possessions.
Neglect and acts of omission – includes not giving someone the care that they need.
Modern slavery – human trafficking and forced labour.
Domestic abuse – when abuse occurs between partners or by a family member.
Discriminatory abuse – poor treatment or harassment because of someone’s age, gender, sexuality, disability, race or religious belief.
Organisational abuse – inflexible systems and routines in place that stop people making their own choices about their lifestyle; not considering a person’s dietary requirements; inappropriate ways of addressing people.
Self neglect is also a form of abuse. This is when someone chooses not to look after themselves. It might include not eating, or refusing help for their health or care needs and this has a significant effect on their wellbeing.

Abuse can be:
• something that happens once, or something that happens several times;
• something that is done deliberately;
• something that is unintentional; or
• a crime

Abuse can happen anywhere, at any time. It can happen in:
• someone’s home;
• a care home;
• hospital;
• supported employment and day services; or
• public places.

Abuse can be done by anyone. This includes:
• a partner or relative;
• a friend or neighbour;
• a paid or volunteer carer;
• a bogus worker;
• someone in a position of trust; or
• a stranger.
It can also be done by more than one person.

There are many signs of abuse. This includes when someone:
• looks dirty or is not dressed properly;
• has an injury that is difficult to explain;
• seems frightened around certain people;
• seems unusually sad or withdrawn; or
• finds money is missing.