What is adult abuse, and how can we help protect people from it?
We all have the right to live our lives free from abuse. Adult abuse doesn’t only happen to frail, older people – it can happen to anyone over 18 who is unable to protect themselves from harm.
Abuse can be:
- physical – such as hitting, slapping, rough handling, misuse of medication, misuse of restraint
- sexual – making someone carry out a sexual act they have not or cannot consent to
- psychological – such as threats or humiliation
- financial – such as theft of money / possessions, misuse of someone's benefits
- neglect – such as a carer not meeting a person's care or health needs
- discriminatory – any form of abuse based on discrimination because of a person's race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation etc
- institutional – abuse or poor practice throughout an organisation
Abuse can be carried out by anyone – relatives, partners, friends, care workers or strangers – and it can happen anywhere.
Leeds Safeguarding Adults Unit aims to safeguard vulnerable adults who have experienced abuse. Visit the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Unit website.
What should you do if you think someone is being abused?
Staff on any of the following telephone numbers will be pleased to help you. If you’re not sure the best number to ring, call Leeds Social Care’s contact line: 0113 222 4401.
- If immediate action is needed, contact the emergency services on 999
- If you need to report a crime but it is not an emergency, telephone the police on 0845 60 60 60
- If you are worried about contacting the police you can talk things over with staff at Leeds Social Care first, on 0113 222 4401.
- For further advice, contact Leeds Safeguarding Adults Unit on 0113 224 3511