Reporting Abuse

This section explains how to report abuse and what to do if you, or an adult you know, is being abused.

What do we mean by abuse?

Abuse is the violation of an individual's human and civil rights by any other person or persons. It can vary from the seemingly trivial act of not treating someone with respect and dignity to extreme punishment or torture.

Is abuse a crime?

Many forms of abuse, such as theft, assault or rape, are a criminal offence and should involve the Police if we are to prevent someone else being abused. Sometimes abuse is done deliberately, other times people abuse through ignorance or a lack of understanding.

The Police should be contacted by calling 0845 6060 222 or in an emergency by calling 999.

How to get help

If you have been or still are the victim of abuse, or you know someone who you think is being abused, then it is really important to seek help, even if the circumstances appear trivial.

The Social Services Safeguarding Team should be contacted as soon as possible (see telephone numbers listed below) as they are the lead agency responsible for co-coordinating investigations of abuse and organising services to assist vulnerable adults in the community. Your concerns will be taken seriously and urgent action will be taken where appropriate.

A Safeguarding adult referral cannot be actioned without the consent of the person being abused, except where there may be issues of:

  • Public Protection  (e.g.: others at risk of abuse)
  • Best Interest decisions (where there are concerns about an individual's ability to make an informed choice)

 

Social Services Safeguarding Team

From 14 February 2012: the safeguarding team are now loacted at Brunswick House, Strand Close, Beverley Road, Hull Hu2 9DB

Tel: 01482 616092 (please note new telephone number) - ask for the safeguarding team duty officer

Fax: 01482 616379 (please note new fax number) - address to the safeguarding team

Think 'Phone before Form' - ring the team for advice before completing a referral form

Email: adultsafeguarding@hullcc.gcsx.gov.uk (secure)

 

HULL CITY COUNCIL - ADULT SERVICES

Adult Services:
01482 300300

Emergency Duty Team for out of hours or weekends.
01482 788080

What should I do?

The following action must be taken by all staff and volunteers who are concerned about possible abuse:

  • Obtain medical treatment and contact emergency services (if required).
  • Listen carefully if a vulnerable adult discloses abuse to ensure that they are heard and not discouraged from reporting abuse.
  • Clarify the basic facts of the reported abuse or grounds for suspicion of abuse. Do not ask leading questions, but offer support and reassurance to the alleged victim
  • Do not speak with the alleged abuser about what has happened.
  • Explain that you must inform your line manager.  Identify whether the alleged victim wishes to make a referral through the Safeguarding vulnerable adults policy,  procedures and practice guidelines.
  • Report concerns to your line manager as soon as possible.
  • Make an accurate recording of the allegations or grounds for suspecting abuse.

Your line manager will follow the Multi-Agency Policy, Procedures and Practice Guidelines for Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults in Hull which are on this website. Social Services and the Police will act as the 'lead agency' responsible for co-coordinating the investigations. Staff from other agencies will be expected to co-operate with any investigation

What will happen as a result & where to get help

Once the abuse has been reported there are certain steps that you should follow:

1. The person to whom the abuse is reported will need to know what has happened. They will listen carefully to what is said and take notes so that they can act upon the information.

2. To ensure confidentiality, your permission will be sought to share this information with other colleagues and partner agencies (for example, Social Services or the Police). Case details will only be discussed with other agencies on a need to know basis.

3. Once it has been established exactly what has happened, your information will be passed to Social Services or the Police.

4. A decision will be made jointly to decide whether a full investigation is needed and how best to proceed. This will depend on the kind of evidence available and the severity of the abuse.