Adult Safeguarding

Hitting, pushing, restraint, misuse of medication. Look for: unexplained injuries, flinching, wearing covering clothing.

Controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour between intimate partners or family members. Look for: frequent absences, anxiety about going home, controlling partner contact. 

Any sexual act without consent, including online. Look for: sudden changes in behaviour, inappropriate sexual knowledge, avoidance of specific people. 

Threats, intimidation, humiliation, isolation, verbal abuse. Look for: low self-esteem, withdrawal, fearfulness, sleep disturbance. 

Theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure around money or property. Look for: sudden lack of money, inability to buy necessities, someone else controlling finances. 

Human trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude. Look for: signs of control by others, malnourishment, working excessive hours, and inability to leave the situation. 

Abuse based on protected characteristics (race, gender, disability, sexuality, religion). Look for: unequal treatment, slurs, exclusion, hate incidents. 

Neglect or poor practice within an organisation. Look for: rigid routines, lack of flexibility, poor care standards, inadequate staffing. 

Failure to provide care, ignoring needs, withholding necessities. Look for: poor hygiene, malnutrition, untreated health problems, unsuitable living conditions. 

Failure to care for oneself, hoarding, refusal of services. Look for: very poor personal hygiene, hazardous living conditions, refusal of help despite deterioration.