Abuse exists in different ways and can be carried out by one or more people. In any form or situation, abuse is unacceptable and a violation of a person’s basic human rights.

Many people across Sefton live happily, free from abuse and can protect themselves from harm. Some people may have care and support needs, this may make it difficult for them to protect themselves or others from abuse and neglect.

People may need help and support to keep themselves safe. Care and support needs may include; people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and autism, mental health needs, misuse of alcohol/substances or who those experiencing homelessness.

Older adults who are frail or experiencing memory loss may also have care and support needs.

Safeguarding adults is about preventing and acting quickly when abuse or neglect is suspected. 

Abuse can be:

• physical – hitting, slapping, pushing or physically restraining, or the mismanagement of medication
• emotional or psychological – shouting and swearing to make a person afraid, being ridiculed or bullied
• sexual abuse or sexual exploitation – unwanted touching, kissing, sexual intercourse or being made to take part in sexual activity when a person has not or is not able to give consent. 
• financial or material – money or belongings taken under pressure, misused or stolen
• modern slavery - exploitation of people who have been forced, deceived or coerced into a life of labour or servitude  
• neglect – not being properly cared for resulting in harm, mismanaging medication or being denied privacy, choice or social contact
• discriminatory – suffering abuse, harassment or neglect on the grounds of age, race, religion, culture, gender, sexuality or disability
• domestic abuse - any type of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse. It can occur between people who are related to one another and is not restricted to those who are in/ or have been an intimate relationship 
• organisational abuse - occurs where providers of care do not provide services to a required level due to poor management, or unacceptable practice. The abuse may affect an individual or some or all of those under their care.
• self-neglect -  when a person is unable or unwilling to care for their own essential needs. It can cover a wide range of behaviours including neglecting personal hygiene, health or surrounding or the refusal of necessary report or excessive hoarding. 

Adult abuse can happen to anyone who is over 18.

Adults with care and support needs may be at ‘greater risk’ of abuse and neglect:

• If they have a physical, mental, sensory, learning or cognitive illness or disability• Linked to above – if they need assistance with everyday tasks
• If they rely on others for some kind of social care or health support
• If they are in receipt of care purchased or funded through: Personal budgets, Local Authorities and/or Health Services, By themselves

Abuse can occur anywhere an adult should be safe.

Examples include:
• Care homes
• Day centres
• Hospitals and health services
• In a carer’s home
• In your own home (including online)
• Public spaces
• Supported living arrangements
• Places of worship
• Work, college or university

Anyone can be an abuser – relatives, partners, people paid to provide care and services, volunteers, neighbours, friends, another adult at risk, colleagues, a member of a place of worship or strangers

Anyone can raise a safeguarding concern. Our team of professionals will support you and deal with all matters sensitively.

If you are concerned that you or another adult is being neglected, harmed, or abused in any way, please do not ignore it.

Any suspicion of abuse or neglect should be reported.

When you report you will:

• Be listened to and your concerns taken seriously 
• Be asked if there is any immediate danger
• Be asked about wishes of the person at the centre of the concern
• Be asked questions about your concerns

When you report we will:

• Talk to the police if it is a criminal matter
• Take appropriate action to address the concerns

If you are concerned about yourself or an adult in Sefton, please use the following contact details to raise a safeguarding concern.
Sefton Council Adult Social Care Contact Centre : 0345 140 0845.

Further information can also be found on the Adult Social Care website: https://www.sefton.gov.uk/adult-social-care/

You can make a referral via the Sefton Portal https://seftoncitizenportal.sefton.gov.uk/web/portal/pages/home 

Guidance on how to use the portal can be found here https://www.seftonsab.org.uk/assets/a1adc753/sefton_council_professional_online_portal.pdf 

However, if it is an emergency, stay safe and call 999.
You can also contact the police on 101 for non-emergency situations.