If you're worried an adult is being abused or neglected, even if you're unsure, please report it.
Call 999 if the person is in real danger now
If you want to speak to someone call 01752 668000 and choose the adult social care option or call 101 to report it to the police.
Hearing or speech impaired
To make a text relay call, you need to dial 18001 followed by the telephone number of the person you are calling.
To use text relay on a device such as a smartphone or computer you also need to download the free Next Generation Text app from www.ngts.org.uk or from a marketplace such as Google Play or the App Store.
You can make a text relay call in a number of different ways and using a number of different devices. For example, you can use:
- a standard landline or mobile telephone for the voice part of the call, and an internet-connected device (such as a PC, laptop, smartphone or tablet) to view the text;
- a single device such as a smartphone. This will only work if you also have access to Wi-Fi, or if your device is able to handle a phone call and a 3G or 4G internet connection simultaneously. For more information about which handsets can do this go to www.ngts.org.uk.
If you have a textphone, you can continue to use it, but you will not benefit from the enhanced features of next generation text relay, such as the ability to hear the other person's voice and see the text at the same time.
To find out more please visit www.ofcom.org.uk
What to report
When you get in touch with us we'll ask you some questions such as:
- the name and date of birth of the person you're worried about
- their address and contact details
- why you think they're at risk or being abused
Types of abuse
Adult abuse takes many forms including:
- physical abuse such as hitting, slapping or pushing
- neglect such as not being cared for properly, ignoring medical or physical needs, not having enough food, water or heating
- emotional or psychological abuse such as shouting or swearing, threats or intimidation, not being allowed to see friends and family or make your own choices
- sexual abuse such as unwanted touching, kissing or sexual intercourse or sexual contact without consent or with pressured consent
- financial abuse such as theft, forcing someone to sign over money or property, making financial transactions without consent
- discriminatory abuse such as comments about someone's disability, age, illness or sexual orientation
- domestic abuse such as controlling, forceful or threatening behaviour, honour based violence and female genital mutilation
- modern slavery such as human trafficking and forced labour
Adults at risk
An adult at risk is someone aged 18 years or over who might not be able to look after themselves, protect themselves from harm or stop themselves being exploited. They may:
- have a mental health problem or illness including dementia
- be involved with drug or alcohol abuse
- have a physical or learning disability
- be old and frail
- not be able to speak up for themselves
- neglect themselves and/or their home
What we do when we get a report
We'll make enquiries and collect as much information as we can from other agencies involved. We'll take into account the wishes of the person you're worried about and the seriousness of the situation.
We'll offer them information and advice so they can make a choice about any help they need or action they want to take. If they can't make an informed choice, we'll take action to support and protect them in their best interest.