What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding is described as ‘protecting an person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect'. Adult safeguarding is about preventing and responding to concerns of abuse, harm or neglect of adults. Individuals who are vulnerable may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation. This means that they may be at risk of abuse or neglect due to the actions (or lack of action) of another person. In these cases, it is vital that we work together to identify people at risk and put steps in place to help prevent abuse or neglect.
Safeguarding adults is a priority for us. The activities carried out by The Good Place mean that there are a range of staff and people working on our behalf who may come into contact with people who are at risk of harm.
What you can do about abuse
No one should have to live with abuse, by reporting abuse, you can help bring it to an end.
You may feel completely alone but you are not, there are people who can help and it is important to get in touch with them.
Abuse can be very confusing especially if you look up to the person hurting you or if they are a friend or a member of your family.
You might not want to talk to someone you know and might prefer to speak to, or email someone, at one of the services below.
Who to contact for help
The services listed in the table below have people who are trained to help and support you and they will not be shocked or surprised at what you say. They will listen to you and help you decide what to do.
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| The Good Place Safeguarding Lead |
|
| Police | |
| Care Quality Commission (CQC) |
|
| Silverline |
|
| Local Authority |
|
What is Adult Abuse?
- Adult abuse is when someone hurts or scares you on purpose;
- They might say, 'Don’t tell anyone'.
Adult Abuse is Wrong
- Adult abuse can happen to anyone;
- You need to know what to do if it happens to you or to someone you know.
Abuse can Happen Anywhere
- At home;
- In a residential or care home;
- In hospital;
- In a day service, work, school;
- On the internet or phone;
- Public place/ in the community.
Abuse can be Caused by Anyone
- A partner or relative;
- A friend or neighbour;
- Sometimes a person pretends to be your friend so they can abuse you. This is called ‘Mate Crime’;
- A paid or volunteer carer;
- Other Service Users;
- Someone in a position of trust;
- A stranger.
Examples of Abuse
Physical Abuse
- Being hit, slapped, kicked, or hurt in another way;
- Being pushed;
- Being restrained.
Neglect
- This is when you do not get the help you need. It might include not getting help with your medication, or your care needs, or not giving you enough food.
Sexual Abuse
- This is when someone touches your private parts when you don’t want them to, or makes you touch them;
- It is also when someone talks to you about sex when you don’t want them to.
Discriminatory Abuse
- This is when someone treats you badly because you are different to them. This is sometimes called 'Hate Crime';
- This could be because of your age or gender; sexuality or disability; race or religious belief.
Financial or Material Abuse
- This is when someone takes something that belongs to you without asking, or makes you give them things.
Organisational Abuse
- If abuse is caused by an organisation, it is often called 'Organisational Abuse'. This is where you are not being cared for properly. It is where your own choices are ignored.
Modern Slavery
- This is when someone is forced to work with little or no pay, or threatened with violence if they do not work.
Self-neglect
- This is when someone might come to harm because they do not look after themselves;
- This might be not eating or taking their medication or looking after their personal hygiene.
Domestic Violence and Abuse
- When abuse occurs between partners or family members, it is often called 'Domestic Violence and Abuse'.
Psychological Abuse
- This is when someone tries to control or hurt you emotionally with what they say or do;
- It could be name calling, threats, silence, humiliation, bullying.
