What is Abuse?

Adult abuse is when something is said or done to an adult at risk that makes them feel upset, hurt or frightened. Abuse is not always intentional but it causes harm so something should be done to stop it from happening again. These pages are about abuse of vulnerable people who are over 18. If you are concerned about a child's welfare, contact children's safeguarding. Abuse can take different forms, ranging from exploitation and disrespectful treatment to physical harm. It can be at a low level, and taking place over a long time, or it can take place over a short time and be more extreme. It's all abuse.

Abuse can happen anywhere, in your own home, in a care home, in a hospital, at work, at a day centre or educational establishment, in supported housing or in the street.

It can be deliberate, or the result of ignorance or a lack of proper training. Whatever the type of abuse, and wherever it happens, it is not acceptable, particularly when the victim is someone who is not able to properly protect themselves.

If you think that you or someone you know is being subjected to abuse then please go to our Report Abuse page for advice and details on whom to contact.

The Social Care Institute for Excellence has provided a guide for identifying abuse.

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

Safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

The safeguarding duty under the Care Act 2014 applies to any adult who:

• Has needs for care and support (whether or not the Local Authority is meeting any of those needs) and;
• is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect; and
• 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.