Help keep vulnerable adults and children safe from harm

Advice and Information - 24 January 2020

Abuse can happen anywhere, by anyone. Some forms of abuse and neglect are obvious. Others are hidden. You can help by spotting and reporting any signs of neglect or exploitation of children or adults at risk.
Picture shows older man looking at camera

Signs that an adult may be being abused

Everyone is different, but some of the typical behavioural signs of adult neglect can include:
  • becoming quiet and withdrawn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.

Who to contact if you are worried about an adult

There are people who can help – please contact:

Non-urgent referrals

01733 747474, option 4 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) Peterborough Adult Social Care

adultsocialcare@peterborough.gov.uk

For more information

Emergency referrals

01733 747474, option 4 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) Peterborough Adult Social Care

01733 234724 (outside office hours and at weekends) Emergency Duty Team

999 if someone is in immediate danger

Three babies at a picnic in the park sitting on a blanket

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.

Who to contact if you are worried about a child

There are people who can help – please contact:

In office hours

  01733 864180 Peterborough City Council Children's Services

or the Police on 101 for non-emergencies

Report a concern using the online form on the council website

Out of office hours, at weekends and on public holidays

 01733 234 724 - Emergency Duty Team

For more information 

If someone is in immediate danger call 999.

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

When you report your concerns, you do not have to give your name and your conversation will be treated confidentially.
 
Children or adults’ services will:
  • 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

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