What is Adult Abuse / Neglect?

If you are being harmed or abused, or you're worried about somebody else, please report it. If you report a concern and it turns out that nothing has happened, you won't get into trouble if you really thought there could be a risk.

What to do in an emergency

Call 999 if you think a crime has been committed or someone is in immediate danger.

Who is defined as an adult at risk? 

An adult is defined as an adult at risk if they:

(a)  are experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and

(b) have needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs),

(c)  as a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.

Examples of abuse include:

Physical abuse - this includes being hit, shaken, kicked, being locked in a room or inappropriate restraint.

Sexual abuse - this includes an adult being made to take part in a sexual activity when they have not given or are not able to give their consent.

Psychological abuse - this includes being shouted at, ridiculed, or bullied, threatened with harm, blamed, or controlled by intimidation or fear.

Financial or material abuse - this includes theft, fraud, financial exploitation, and pressure in connection with financial matters or misuse of someone else's finances.

Neglect - this includes the failure to provide essential care and support needs that results in someone being harmed.

Discrimination - this includes ill treatment, harassment, threats or insults due a person's age, gender, sexuality, disability, race or religious belief.

Modern slavery - these incudes human trafficking and forced labour.

Domestic Abuse