Report adult abuse or safeguarding concerns
Abuse and neglect is never ok. If you, or someone you know is being abused or neglected, it is important to tell someone. Stopping the abuse or neglect is everyone's responsibility. Anybody can raise a concern.
If you are worried about the safety of an adult in Newcastle you can talk to us at Adult Social CarePoint
In an emergency or if someone’s life is at risk call 999.
Anyone can be abused. Abuse can take place anywhere including: at home, in a residential or nursing home, a hospital, day centre or in the street. It can be carried out by anyone. There are different types of abuse. It can be, physical, sexual, emotional, financial, neglect or self-neglect, discriminatory, organisational, domestic, modern slavery or criminal exploitation.
Some people are more at risk of abuse than others. An adult at risk is someone aged 18 or over, who may have care and support needs and who cannot always protect themselves from harm. Adults at risk may:
- be older and need help from others
- have a learning or physical disability
- have mental health needs
- have sensory support needs
- misuse drugs or alcohol
Read more about adult abuse and neglect or domestic abuse on InformationNOW
How to report abuse or neglect of an adult
In an emergency or if someone’s life is at risk call 999.
If you are worried about an adult in Newcastle you can talk to us. If you are told about or witness an incident of adult abuse, are the victim of adult abuse or think abuse may be happening you can:
- contact Adult Social CarePoint at Newcastle City Council or complete an online safeguarding form
- speak to someone you trust, such as your GP, nurse, police officer or care worker. They will pass on your concerns to the safeguarding agencies
- professionals must complete our online safeguarding form
How to report child abuse or neglect
In an emergency or if someone’s life is at risk call 999.
If you are concerned about a child or young person:
- report a concern about a child or young person online
- Contact Children's Social Care: open weekdays 8.45am to 5pm, phone 0191 277 2500
- after 5pm if the issue cannot wait until the next working day, call our switchboard and ask for the Emergency Duty Team on 0191 278 7878
- You can also discuss any concerns with someone you trust, who works with children and families. This could be your health worker, social worker, school nurse or teacher. All schools have a teacher responsible for child protection.
Read more about safeguarding children in Newcastle
What happens when abuse or neglect is reported?
The law says that Children's and Adult Social Care must find out if a child or an adult at risk need help to keep them safe. Social Care will listen to the child or adult, their family, and anyone else who is important to them, to understand what help might be needed. Social Care will work with other organisations who could help to keep the child or adult healthy and safe.
Read more about what happens when you make a safeguarding enquiry on the Newcastle Safeguarding Adults Board website. The website has plain English, easy read and a brief guide to the Safeguarding adults process. You can watch a video which explains more in British Sign Language (BSL).
Safeguarding adults in Newcastle
Safeguarding adults is protecting an adult's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop abuse and neglect happening.
The Newcastle Safeguarding Adults Board website has more information about how we are working together to keep people safe in Newcastle. You can read more about:
- free training for professionals, volunteers and carers
- news and updates
- policies, procedures and practice guidance