Safeguarding Adults Week, which takes place from 17 to 21 November, raises awareness of how we can all play a part in protecting adults at risk from abuse, harm, or neglect. 

The national campaign encourages communities across Derby to come together, learn more about safeguarding, and make sure people know where to turn for help. Everyone has a role to play in spotting the signs of abuse and ensuring that adults can live safely and independently. 

Safeguarding is about protecting an adult’s right to live free from abuse and neglect. It also means supporting individuals to make their own choices while ensuring that they are not placed at risk. Abuse can happen anywhere and is not always easy to recognise. 

Abuse can take many forms. These include:

  1. Physical abuse – being hurt or assaulted
  2. Emotional or psychological abuse – being threatened, bullied or controlled
  3. Financial abuse – money or belongings being taken without consent
  4. Domestic abuse – violence or control by a partner, ex-partner, or family member
  5. Neglect – when basic needs such as food, care or medication are not provided
  6. Self-neglect – when someone is unable to care for themselves or their home
  7. Sexual abuse – being made to do something sexual without consent
  8. Discriminatory abuse – being treated unfairly because of who you are
  9. Organisational abuse – poor care or treatment in services
  10. Modern slavery – being exploited, forced to work, or controlled by others.

Councillor Alison Martin, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care said:

Safeguarding Adults Week is a vital campaign to raise awareness of how we can work together to protect adults who are at risk from abuse, harm, or neglect. Abuse can happen anywhere and is not always easy to spot, which is why it’s important to raise awareness.

By knowing the signs and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right, we can help to ensure that adults in Derby are supported and safe. I encourage anyone with concerns to report them.

If you are worried that an adult in Derby is experiencing abuse or neglect, you can report it by contacting the Derby City Council Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub.