Safeguarding adults at risk of abuse or neglect
Under the Care Act (2014), an adult at risk is someone over 18 years old who:
- has care and support needs
- is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
- as a result of their care and support needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it
If someone has care and support needs but is not currently receiving care or support from a health or care service, they may still be an adult at risk.
An adult at risk may therefore be a person who:
- is old and frail due to ill health, physical disability or cognitive impairment
- has a learning disability
- has a physical disability or a sensory impairment or both
- has mental health needs including dementia or a personality disorder
- has a long-term illness or condition
- misuses substances or alcohol
- is a carer such as a family member or friend who provides personal assistance and care to adults and is subject to abuse
- is unable to demonstrate the capacity to make a decision and is in need of care and support
Although, anyone can be at risk of abuse or exploitation.
Report your concern – Devon Local Authority boundaries
If an adult is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
Members of the public
If you suspect that a vulnerable adult is being abused, or you are being abused yourself and live within Devon Local Authority boundaries, please contact us by calling Adult Social Care on 0345 1551 007 (Monday to Thursday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm and Saturday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
Outside of the hours above or on bank holidays call the Emergency Duty Service on 0345 6000 388.
Or you can email (for an explanation of areas look at the contact us page):
- For North Devon
Email: safeguardingadultsnorth-mailbox@devon.gov.uk - For Exeter, Eastern or Mid Devon
Email: safeguardingadultseast-mailbox@devon.gov.uk - For South or West Devon
Email: safeguardingadultssouth-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Professionals
You can report your concerns by;
- calling Adult Social Care on 0345 1551 007 (Mon to Thurs 9am – 5pm, Friday 9am – 4:30pm and Saturday 9am – 5pm)
- Outside of the hours above or on bank holidays call the Emergency Duty Service on 0345 6000 388.
- Or you can download a Word version of the report a safeguarding concern form and send it to the relevant Safeguarding Adult Hub email address listed below.
- Any emails sent to the safeguarding hubs will generate an automated email back to the sender’s email address confirming receipt of their email
For an explanation of areas look at the contact us page:
- For North Devon
Email: safeguardingadultsnorth-mailbox@devon.gov.uk - For Exeter, Eastern or Mid Devon
Email: safeguardingadultseast-mailbox@devon.gov.uk - For South or West Devon
Email: safeguardingadultssouth-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Domestic violence
Sexual violence and domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone of any gender, sexuality, ethnicity or age. The impacts of living with violence and abuse can be devastating and its effects are far-reaching, impacting on individuals, families and communities. You can visit the Safer Devon website to find more information.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence there is help available. For independent and confidential advice call Devon’s domestic abuse helpline on 0345 155 1074 or visit our Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse website.
