What is safeguarding?
Adult safeguarding is protecting an adult's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and to make choices about what happens in your life.
Abuse occurs when someone exploits another person or treats them in a way that harms or hurts them. It can happen once or on multiple occasions. People who abuse are not always strangers. They can also be: partners, relatives, a friend, colleage or carer. Abuse is always wrong and it can happen to anyone and anywhere.
Principles of Safeguarding
Empowerment
People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and give informed consent. This enhances their autonomy and ensures they can actively participate in decisions about their own lives.
Prevention
Proactive measures reduce the likelihood of abuse or neglect, fostering a safer environment for all. It is better to take action before harm occurs.
Proportionality
The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented. This principle ensures that interventions are balanced and do not overstep, maintaining respect for the individual's rights.
Protection
Support and representation for those in greatest need. It involves safeguarding measures for those who are unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
Partnership
Local solutions through services working with their communities. Engaging with community resources and collaboration strengthens the ability to detect, prevent, and respond to abuse and neglect.
Accountability
Accountability and transparency in safeguarding practice. This builds trust and ensures that safeguarding responsibilities are clear and actions are justifiable.
Signs of safeguarding issues
Physical Abuse
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns that cannot be explained.
- Assault, hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, hair-pulling, biting, pushing.
- Rough handling or inappropriate use of physical restraint, leading to injury.
Emotional Abuse
- Excessive withdrawal, fear, or anxiety that is not typical for the individual.
- Sudden changes in behavior or personality, such as becoming aggressive.
- Low self-esteem or self-worth, often resulting from constant criticism.
Sexual Abuse
- Inappropriate sexual behavior or knowledge for the person's age.
- Unexplained soreness or bruises around the genital or anal areas.
- Reluctance to be alone with a particular person, possibly due to fear.
Neglect
- Poor hygiene can lead to health issues and social stigma.
- Malnutrition leading to poor health and development.
- Unattended medical needs, causing or worsening health problems.
Financial Abuse
- Unexplained loss of money or possessions, indicating theft.
- Sudden changes in financial situation, such as large withdrawals.
- Unpaid bills or lack of basic necessities despite having funds.
Discriminatory Abuse
- Harassment or slurs based on race, gender, or disability.
- Unequal treatment or denial of services, leading to disadvantages.
- Verbal abuse, derogatory remarks, or inappropriate jokes.
Institutional Abuse
- Inadequate care in a residential or nursing home, resulting in unmet needs.
- Lack of respect for personal dignity and privacy, leading to humiliation.
- Overcrowding or poor living conditions, impacting health and well-being.
Self-neglect
- Failure to attend to personal hygiene or health, resulting in issues.
- Living in unsanitary or unsafe conditions, posing risks to safety.
- Hoarding items or animals, creating hazardous living environments.
Action Steps:
Step 1: Identify the Issue
Recognise and acknowledge the signs of safeguarding issues.
Step 2: Report the Concern
Inform the relevant authorities or safeguarding officer about the issue.
Step 3: Document the Incident
Keep detailed records of the incident and any actions taken.
Step 4: Follow Up
Ensure that appropriate measures are being taken and the issue is resolved.
Contact Us 
We're here to provide information and support on safeguarding. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out.