Keep adults safe and stop abuse
Adults at risk
Abuse is when someone damages a person’s quality of life or puts them in danger.
Some adults are more at risk than others. This can include people who:
- depend on other people for care
- have mental health problems
- have a learning or physical disability
- have dementia or memory loss
- misuse alcohol or drugs
Abuse can happen anywhere
It can happen:
- at home
- in care homes
- in hospitals
- in day centre
- in public
It is often done by a known person.
If someone is harmed or abused
If someone tells you they are being harmed or abused, you should:
- stay calm and listen
- take what they say seriously
- offer support to help them stop the abuse
- keep evidence safe
- write down exactly what the person tells you
Contact the Police
Always contact the Police if someone is in immediate danger.
Call:
- 999 in an emergency
- 101 for all other problems
Adult social care useful numbers
Contact adult social services or the Police as soon as you can, or you can ask someone you trust to contact them for you.
During office hours
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole - 01202 123654
- Dorset Council - 01305 221 016
During evenings and weekend
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole - 0300 123 9895
- Dorset - 01305 858 250
Examples of abuse
- Physical - hitting, punching, restraining
- Emotional - intimidating, threatening, humiliating
- Sexual - sexual activity which is not wanted or not understood
- Financial - stealing money, property, or possessions
- Neglect - not providing food, drink, clothing, attention, or care
- Modern slavery - human trafficking, exploitation
- Cyberbullying - bullying or other harm using the internet
- Domestic violence - controlling, threatening behaviour, violence between partners or family members