If you see, hear or suspect that an adult may be at risk of abuse or neglect, you must tell someone about it. If they are in immediate danger contact the police on 999.
Otherwise contact Care Direct on 0345 155 1007 or email customerservicecentrecaredirectteam-mailbox@devon.gov.uk.
Vulnerable adults have the right to live their lives to the fullest potential, to be protected, to have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy activity, and to be treated with dignity and respect.
For more information about protecting vulnerable adults in Devon, please visit: Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership.
The following descriptions of types of abuse and neglect can help decide whether someone is at risk:
Sexual abuse including
Financial abuse can also include coercion in relation to an adult's financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions,
Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.
Including neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one's own home. This may range from one off incidents to ongoing ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation.
This covers a wide range of behaviour including neglecting to care for one's personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding.
For more information about adult safeguarding, please visit: Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership.