Help for an adult at risk of abuse or neglect
If you're experiencing abuse or neglect, or you're worried about someone else, tell us. This is often referred to as a safeguarding concern and we can help.
About safeguarding
Safeguarding is the term used to describe protecting someone’s right to live in safety, and free from abuse and neglect.
Our aim is to stop abuse or neglect from happening. We also try to reduce the risk of abuse or neglect to adults who need care and support.
Who is an adult at risk
If an adult that needs care and support is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect, they are considered to be an adult at risk.
Abuse or neglect could happen anywhere, and by anyone. It could happen once, or regularly.
If you or someone you know is at risk of, or is experiencing abuse or neglect, tell us. Complete the online report abuse form.
If you're a professional, complete the safeguarding adults at risk form.
Find out about the type of people who might be at risk, and how to recognise and report abuse and neglect in the Sussex Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures.
How to report abuse or neglect
In an emergency, phone the police on 999.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, phone the Access Point on 01273 29 55 55, or send an email to hascsafeguardinghub@brighton-hove.gov.uk. Outside these hours calls will be answered by CareLink Plus.
If you think a crime has taken place, but it’s not an emergency, phone Sussex Police on 101.
You can remain anonymous when reporting abuse and neglect if you wish.
What happens when someone is reported as being at risk
We'll always contact the person at risk first. We'll try to talk to them, even if it’s difficult for them to tell us what happened. What they want is very important, and speaking to them can help us decide what to do.
If the person has difficulty speaking to us, we can ask for an advocate to help. An advocate can help the person understand what’s happening, and help them express their views.
Find out how an advocate can help.
What happens next
After speaking to the person at risk, we'll make further enquiries about what happened.
We can talk to family members, carers, GPs, friends and possibly the police. If the police think a crime has been committed, they'll investigate.
We’ll support the adult at risk, and help them decide what they want to happen next.
We’ll then concentrate on improving their situation, by looking into what caused the abuse or neglect.
If we think anyone is in immediate danger, we’ll act quickly to protect them.
More information
Find more information on the Brighton & Hove Safeguarding Adults Board website.
Read the What to do if someone you know may be being neglected or abused leaflet.