If you are concerned that someone is at risk of being abused, please call the Virgin Care Adult Safeguarding Team on 0300 247 0201. If anyone is in immediate danger, always call 999 and ask for the Police.

There are many different types of abuse and it can take place anywhere at any time. People can be at risk of harm or abuse if they need care and support. This includes people with a physical disability or illness, people who are elderly or frail or have sensory loss, or people living with dementia, a learning disability or a mental health need.

Abuse can be deliberate, or it can be the result of ignorance, or lack of training, knowledge or understanding. Sometimes if a person is being abused in one way they are also being abused in other ways.

Abuse may be physical, sexual or emotional. It could also be financial – you may know someone who is being put under pressure to change their will or to give money or property away. If someone is being discriminated against because of their race, sexuality or disability – that is also a form of abuse.

Domestic abuse is any kind of abuse that happens between people with an intimate or family relationship.

If someone is experiencing disrespect or ill treatment in an institution like a care home, nursing home, sheltered housing, acute hospital or in-patient setting, we call it ‘organisational abuse.’

You may know someone who is being neglected. Perhaps their medical or physical needs are being ignored. Or someone you know may be neglecting themselves.

Call the Virgin Care Adult Safeguarding Team on the local rate number 0300 247 0201 where you will be connected to the local B&NES team.


 

We work at all times to help people live independently at home. We will deal with your concern sensitively and quickly, respecting the rights of all concerned. We provide help, in partnership other relevant organisations, to protect and support anyone who has suffered abuse and neglect.

We will talk to you about all further action that we will take. We will take your wishes and feelings into consideration and maintain confidentiality unless this is impossible.

Call the children, families assessment and intervention team on 01225 396312 or 01225 396313. Find out more...

If anyone is in immediate danger dial 999.

If you are not in immediate danger but you are experiencing abuse from a family member or partner, please contact any of the following:

 

If someone is in immediate danger, dial 999 and ask for the police.

Reporting a concern that an adult is at risk of abuse or neglect
If you are worried that someone might be experiencing abuse or neglect, please report your concern to the B&NES
Virgin Care Adult Safeguarding Team by ringing 0300 247 0201.

Reporting a concern about a child or young person
Call the children, families assessment and intervention team on 01225 396312 or 01225 396313. Find out more...

To report a concern about domestic abuse or hate crime
Call Avon and Somerset Police on 101.

Find out about Bath & North East Somerset Council's policies and procedures about safeguarding adults including the Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB)

General information
Victim Support is the national independent charity that offers support to victims of crime.

Action on Elder Abuse aims to prevent abuse of older people by raising awareness, and by education, promotion, research, collection and dissemination of information.

The Advocacy Project have produced an easy-to-read booklet called Action on Bullying. This may be particularly useful if you or someone you know has a learning disability.

The Foundation for People With Learning Disabilities has produced an easy-read leaflet called 'Loneliness and Cruelty' in which people with learning disabilities describe their experience of harassment, abuse and related crime in the community.

The Easy Health website has gathered together various  easy-read leaflets and videos which will help people with learning disabilities to understand what abuse is, and to know what to do if they think they are being subjected to abuse.

Mencap have produced an easy-read fact sheet about bullying.

Our colleagues at Suffolk County Council have produced an excellent video which explains more about abuse and neglect, and may be particularly helpful for people with learning disabilities or dementia.

The This is Abuse website provides specialist advice on what to do if you find yourself in an abusive relationship with your husband or wife, or boyfriend or girlfriend.