Adult Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility!
Everyone has a right to live in a world free from abuse and neglect. We also all have the right to be treated fairly, with dignity, and with respect.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding adults and works in partnership with a range of other agencies, under the leadership of Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together, to ensure appropriate actions are taken to protect adults at risk of or experiencing abuse.
If you or someone you know is being abused, call Wolverhampton Local Authority Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01902 551199. In an emergency, always dial 999.
The Care Act 2014 states that safeguarding duties apply to an adult who:
- has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs)
- is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect
- as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect
It is recognised that certain groups of people may be more likely to experience abuse and less able to access services or support to keep themselves safe. This group of people may include people with:
- a learning / physical / sensory disability
- mental ill health or dementia
- frailty due to age
- acquired brain injury
- a drug / alcohol problem
- certain types of physical illness
What constitutes abuse and neglect?
The Care Act 2014 identifies 10 categories of adult abuse and neglect. These are:
- Physical
- Emotional/psychological
- Sexual
- Organisational
- Financial/material
- Domestic abuse
- Neglect and Acts of Omission
- Discriminatory
- Modern Slavery
- Self-neglect (including hoarding)
Abuse can happen in many different settings including:
- someone's own home
- in a care home
- in a hospital
- in a day centre; or
- in a public place
What if the abuse is also a crime?
If the abuse is also a crime (for example: assault, racial harassment, rape, or theft) you should involve the police to prevent someone else from being abused.
If you are worried about contacting the police you can call Wolverhampton Local Authority Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01902 551199 to discuss your concerns with them first. In an emergency, always dial 999.
