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Protecting Adults

What is adult abuse?

Adult abuse is when a person is treated in a bad way or in a way that makes them feel frightened or unhappy, or harms, hurts or exploits them.
Anyone can be vulnerable to abuse at some time in their lives. Men and women, rich and poor, from any ethnic background can be at risk.
Abuse is not always deliberate. It sometimes happens when people are trying to do their best but feel stressed. Or they don’t know what to do because of a lack of knowledge, training or understanding.

Who might abuse someone?

Anyone can abuse someone. This could be someone that a person knows or a stranger. It can be one person or a group of people.

Where can abuse happen?

Abuse can happen anywhere, such as:

  • In someone’s own home

  • At work

  • At a day centre

  • At college

  • In hospital

  • In residential care or a nursing home

  • At a club or social event

No matter where you are, you shouldn’t suffer abuse. If you or someone you know is being abused, there are people you can talk to about it. Contact us on details below.

What might you be concerned about?

You may be concerned that a person is:

  • Not getting the help or care they need

  • Being hurt, bullied, frightened or intimidated

  • Being taken advantage of, or exploited because of their age, disability or illness

  • Not being allowed to make their own choices or decisions

  • Being made to do something against their will

  • Not being treated in a dignified or respectful manner

What should I do if I am concerned?

If you or someone you know is being abused, we can help. Please contact us. We will work with you and listen to you.

Walsall Social Care and Inclusion

Telephone: 0300 555 2922
Textphone: 07919014925
Email: initialintake@walsall.gov.uk
Website: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/adult_safeguarding

Abuse is often a crime. If you think a crime has been committed contact Walsall Police.

If there is an emergency always dial 999.

To report crime or anti-social behaviour, to contact your local police station or to get police assistance in a non-emergency dial 101.

For all other police enquiries dial 0345 113 5000

What will happen if I raise a concern?

This is what adults at risk of abuse can expect from us:

  • Your concerns will be taken seriously.

  • We will work together to reduce the risks to your safety and well-being and to keep you safe.

  • We will work together to help you if you are harmed.

  • We will take notice of what you tell us about what you want to happen and try to do what you want.

  • You will know who does what job and how to get hold of all the people who work in adult safeguarding.

  • You will have the chance to tell us what you think worked well and what could be better and we will take notice of what you say.

  • If we can’t do something you have asked for, we will tell you why not.

Safeguarding leaflets

Suspect Report, Report it, Stop it