Adult violence and abuse

All adults have a right to live free from fear and have their rights and choices respected. However, some people may be less able to protect themselves and are, therefore, at risk of abuse.

Who is an adult at risk?

A vulnerable adult is anyone over the age of 18 who can't protect themselves from harm or injury due to their age, illness or disability. For example:

• older people
• people with visual impairments
• people with physical disabilities
• those with learning disabilities or mental health problems
• informal unpaid carers
• people with HIV
• people who misuse drugs and alcohol.

How to get help

Anyone who is concerned that abuse may be taking place or feels they are subject to abuse themselves should seek help, even if the circumstances appear trivial.

Use the details on the right to contact the Safeguarding Adults team, which is part of Adults and Older People's Services, to report your concerns.

If you are a member of staff and you suspect that abuse is taking place, you should also share your concerns.

What to expect

Our safeguarding advisors will ensure that the relevant team within Adults and Older People's Services will:

• work together to prevent and protect adults at risk from abuse
• empower and support people to make their own choices
• investigate actual or suspected abuse and neglect.
• Support adults and provide a service to adults at risk who are experiencing abuse, neglect and exploitation. 

We will not share information with other people without the permission of the person who is being abused. The only exception to this is when others may be at risk of abuse or the person is unable to make decisions for themselves because they lack the capacity to do so.