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.