Safeguarding is protecting people from harm, abuse and neglect.
Safeguarding is not down to one individual, person or group. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
Which adults need protecting?
All adults (over 18) have a right to live free of abuse, harm and neglect.
Some adults are at greater risk of harm than others. Adults who are considered at higher risk are:
Adults who have care and support needs
Adults who are at risk of or experiencing abuse or neglect
Adults who, as a result of their care and support needs are unable to protect themselves against abuse and neglect, or the risk of abuse and neglect.
What do we mean by care and support?
Care and support is the term used to describe the help some adults need in order to live in the best way possible despite any illness or disability they might have.
Care and support needs can include help with things like:
Unexplained or inappropriately explained injuries including: – Cuts or scratches to mouth, lips, gums, eyes or external genitalia. – Bruising to the face, torso, arms, back, buttocks, thighs, in various stages of healing. – Collections of bruises that form regular patterns which correspond to the shape of an object or which appear on several areas of the body. – Burns on unlikely areas of the body, e.g. soles of the feet, palms of the hands, back, immersion burns from scalding in hot water/liquid, rope burns, burns from an electrical appliance. – Fractures at various stages of healing to any part of the body.
Exhibiting untypical self-harm.
Medical problems that go unattended.
Evidence of over/under-medication.
Flinching at physical contact.
Appearing frightened or subdued in the presence of particular people.
Asking not to be hurt or repeating what the person causing harm has said such as – “Shut up or I’ll hit you”.
Reluctance to undress or uncover parts of the body or wearing clothes that cover all parts of their body or specific parts of their body.
Depression.
Withdrawal from regular activities, unusually subdued, or poor concentration.
Unexplained fear or anxiety.
Urinary Tract Infections, vaginal infections or sexually transmitted diseases that are not otherwise explained.
Experiencing pain, itching or bleeding in the genital/anal area.
Exhibiting significant changes in sexual behaviour or outlook.
Torn, stained or bloody clothing and/or underclothing.
A woman who lacks the mental capacity to consent to sexual intercourse becomes pregnant.
Physical injuries (as described above in physical abuse).
Making excuses for frequent injuries.
Stress, anxiety or depression.
Absence from work and/or social occasions.
Personality changes such as being jumpy or nervous.
Low self-esteem
Lack of self-respect or self-worth.
Lack of independent communication.
Self-blame.
Increased alcohol or drug use.
Lack of money.
Damage to property.
Change in appetite.
Low self-esteem.
Deference.
Passivity and resignation.
Unexplained fear.
Defensiveness.
Ambivalence.
Emotional withdrawal.
Sleep disturbance.
Self-harming behaviours.
Unexplained weight loss or malnutrition.
Untreated medical problems.
Bed sores.
Confusion.
Over-sedation.
Poor personal hygiene.
Deprivation of meals which may constitute “wilful neglect”.
Poor personal hygiene.
Poor domestic hygiene.
Disregard to personal health issues.
Hoarding.
Obsessional behaviour.
Unexplained withdrawals from the bank.
Unusual activity in the bank accounts.
Unpaid bills.
Unexplained shortage of money.
Unexplained or sudden changes to Wills.
The person with responsibility for the funds is reluctant to provide basic food and clothes etc. or is evasive or non-responsive.
Loss of personal items such as jewellery.
Unusual interest shown by family or others in the person’s assets.
Purchase of items that the person does not require or use.
Not being in possession of legal documents such as passport, identification and bank account details as they are being held by someone else.
Old or serious untreated injuries, and they are vague, reluctant or inconsistent in explaining how the injury occurred.
Looking malnourished, unkempt, or appearing withdrawn.
Owning few personal possessions and often wearing the same clothes and what clothes they do wear may not be suitable for their work.
Being withdrawn or appearing frightened, unable to answer questions directed at them or speak for themselves and/or an accompanying third party speaks for them. If they do speak, they are inconsistent in the information they provide, including basic facts such as the address where they live.
Appearing under the control or influence of others, rarely interacting, or appearing unfamiliar with their neighbourhood or where they work.
Unable to speak English.
Fearful of authorities.
Perceiving themselves to be in debt to someone else or in a situation of dependence.
Lack of respect shown to individuals.
Lack of adequate physical care, an unkempt appearance.
Sensory deprivation, for example denial of use of spectacles or hearing aids.
Denial of visitors or phone calls.
Restricted access to toilet or bathing facilities.
Restricted access to appropriate medical or social care.
Failure to ensure appropriate privacy or personal dignity.
Lack of flexibility and choice, for example mealtimes and bedtimes, choice of food.
Lack of personal clothing or possessions.
Signs of a sub-standard service offered to an individual.
Deliberate exclusion from rights afforded to others.
Rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone, but that put someone with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage.
Unequal treatment.
Inappropriate use of language.
Lack of respect.
Verbal abuse.
Slurs.
Bullying and harassment
How to report adult abuse
Urgent adult protections concerns should be reported to Hertfordshire County Council on 0300 123 4042
You can also report abuse to Hertfordshire County Council online
To report adult safeguarding concerns to Hertsmere Borough Council, email safeguarding@hertsmere.gov.uk
Please do not contact the council in an emergency, We do not complete adult protection investigations and cannot offer immediate help. If your concern is urgent contact Hertfordshire County Council or the police.
