Help keep vulnerable adults and children safe from harm

Signs that an adult may be being abused

• becoming quiet and withdrawn
• being upset or angry for no obvious reason
• looking unkempt, dirty or thinner than usual
• sudden changes in character such as appearing helpless, depressed or tearful
• physical signs such as bruises, wounds, fractures or other untreated injuries
• the same injuries happening more than once
• not wanting to be left by themselves or alone with particular people
• being unusually light-hearted and insisting there's nothing wrong.

Signs that a child may be being abused

Signs of child neglect can include:

• poor appearance and hygiene - they may smell or appear dirty have unwashed clothes or seem hungry
• have health or development problems - such as untreated or repeated injuries, poor muscle tone, thin or swollen stomach, tiredness or faltering weight or growth
• housing and family issues - living in an unsuitable home, being left alone for a long period of time, taking on the role of carer for other family members.

If you have any concerns about and adult at risk or a child, please report it. You could help prevent further abuse. 

If contact is made early enough, it might be possible to prevent harm of a child or adult from taking place.

What will happen when you report your concerns

• respond professionally and sensitively and take your concerns seriously
• talk to the police if a crime may have been committed
• provide help and support, and take action to end the abuse and try to ensure that it doesn’t happen again
• talk to other agencies that need to be involved
• work to keep the child or adult safe.

Last checked 7 April 2022