Safeguarding Information for Adults and Carers

Every adult has a right to live life free of fear, be treated with dignity and have their choices respected.

Find out what you can do if you are being abused or think somebody else is, this applies to people 18+ who live in Tameside.

Signs of Abuse

Who may be at risk of abuse?

Many adults over the age of 18 rely on other people to help them in their day to day living. This may be due to illness, disability or frailty. They may be at risk from people they know such as a relative, friend, neighbour or paid carer, or, less frequently, by a stranger.

Abuse may occur anywhere including in their own home, in care homes or in day care centres or hospitals.
 

What do we mean by abuse?

Abuse can take many forms such as:

• Hitting, slapping or pushing
• Shouting or swearing which makes the person afraid
• Unwanted touching, kissing or sexual intercourse
• Money or property taken without consent or under pressure
• Not being cared for properly or denied privacy, choice or social contact

Who can Abuse?

People may be harmed by people in a position of power over them. This includes family, friends, neighbours, informal/unpaid carers, paid carers and even strangers.

Signs of Neglect and Self-Neglect

What can neglect look like?

• Being unable to provide or give access to food, shelter, clothing, heating, activity, personal or medical care.
• Caring for someone in a way they do not like.
• Isolating someone and refusing visitors including family, friends or health and social care professionals.
• Not taking into account and respecting someone’s cultural, religious or ethnic needs.

What can self-neglect look like?

• Very poor personal hygiene.
• Lack of food, clothing or shelter.
• Malnutrition and/or dehydration.
• Living in bad conditions (squalid or unsanitary)
• Being unwilling to treat an injury or take medication.

Who to Contact

If you know of a worrying situation, please do not ignore it, find out below how to report any concerns you may have. 

We will always respect the wishes and feelings of the adult at risk. You do not have to give your name and any information you give to us will be treated confidentially. 

Please contact our Community Gateway Team to raise a concern.

Support for Carers

Professional Referrals

For professional referrals please visit the portal. Further guidance and resources can be found at Tameside Adult Safeguarding Partnership Board webpages for professionals. 

Safeguarding and Dignity