What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding
This is defined as protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. It is fundamental to high-quality health and social care.
Adult at risk
This is a person aged 18 or over in need of care and support, or someone already receiving care and support and, as a result, is unable to protect himself/herself from harm, abuse or neglect.
Child or young person
This is any person, male or female, under the age of 18 in need of care and support, or someone already receiving care and support and, as a result, is unable to protect himself/herself from harm, abuse or neglect.
Who can abuse?
Abuse can occur anywhere such as at home, in a care setting, hospital, college, school, in public places. It could be from:
- Family members or friends
- Other patients or those at risk
- Young people
- Care workers or volunteers
- Professionals
- Strangers
Do not delay. If you suspect or know that someone is at risk of harm, abuse or neglect, report it immediately!
Types of abuse
There are many types of abuse such as:
| Type | Examples |
| Physical | Hitting, biting, shaking, pushing |
| Sexual | Any sexual contact which is non-consensual |
| Emotional | Humiliation, intimidation, verbal abuse |
| Neglect | Ignoring or refusing basic care needs |
| Self-neglect | Inability to care for oneself |
| Discriminatory | Values, beliefs or culture results in a misuse of power |
| Institutional | Misuse of power and lack of respect by professionals, poor practice |
| Financial | Use of an individual’s funds without consent or authorisation |
| Modern slavery | Includes human trafficking, servitude and forced labour |
These are just some examples of how people can be abused or neglected through actions directed towards them that cause harm, endanger them or violate their rights.
What to do
If you are being abused, know of someone who is being abused or think someone may be at risk, it is important that you inform the right people.
We want to reassure you that the people who you talk to will take your concerns seriously and can provide support, guidance and take action to ensure the safety of everyone.
Please speak to a member of staff who will help you get the help you need. All our staff are trained in confidentiality and safeguarding.
Please contact one of the named leads below in confidence and the team at Audley Health Centre will ensure that you receive the appropriate level of support.
Dr Amanda Sweet, Adult and Child Safeguarding Lead
Who to contact?
Adult Community Services: 0800 561 0015
Child Services: 01782 235100 Out of Hours: 01782 234234
Emergency Duty Team Out of Hours: 0345 604 2886
Police Adult Abuse Investigation Unit: 101 ask for Adult Abuse Investigation Unit
Police Child Abuse Investigation Unit: 101 Ask for Child Abuse Investigation Unit
Care Quality Commission: 03000 616161
Safeguarding is the responsibility of everybody
