How we safeguard adults

Everybody has the right to:

• live without fear
• be treated with dignity
• have their choices, views, wishes, feelings and beliefs respected
• not be forced to do things against their will

We and other organisations work together to stop the abuse or neglect of adults who cannot protect themselves.

Care and support needs

Adults with care and support needs may:

• be elderly
• have a physical or learning disability, or a sensory impairment
• have mental health needs, including dementia or a personality disorder
• have a long-term health condition
• misuse substances or alcohol to the extent that it affects their ability to manage day to day
• be victims of domestic abuse, sexual exploitation and modern slavery
• be struggling with other issues

Our safeguarding arrangements

We have arrangements in place to protect any adult aged 18 and over where all of the following apply. They:

• have care and support needs (whether or not they're receiving any help for them)
• are experiencing or are at risk of abuse or neglect
• are not able to protect themselves because of their care and support needs

We aim to:

• stop abuse or neglect wherever possible
• prevent harm and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect
• safeguard adults in a way that supports them in making choices and having control about how they want to live
• improve life for the adult concerned
• provide advice and information to help adults with care and support needs to stay safe
• raise public awareness so that professionals and local communities all play their part in preventing, identifying, and responding to abuse and neglect