If someone tells you about abuse
If someone tells you they are being abused:
Do
- stay calm and listen to them
- offer them support
- write down what they tell you using their own words
- keep any evidence safe
- get in touch with us or the police
- dial 999 in an emergency
Don't
- press them for more details
- contact the alleged abuser
- promise to keep it secret
- assume that someone else knows what's going on and will get in touch
All public services, the police, local authorities and the NHS, take adult abuse very seriously - we usually refer to this as Adult Safeguarding. Protection from abuse is more effective if we all take responsibility for adults at risk.