Someone is in immediate danger

If you think someone if in immediate danger, please call 999. 

If you cannot speak during a 999 call, tap 55 when prompted.

Safeguarding Children

If you think a child is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.

Why it matters

Child abuse can cause serious and long‑lasting harm. It can affect a child’s physical and mental health, relationships, confidence and overall wellbeing. Acting early can help protect a child from further harm.

Types of Child Abuse

Neglect

When a child’s basic needs aren’t met. This can include lack of food, clothing, a safe home, supervision or medical care.

Physical Abuse

Any action that causes injury or pain, such as hitting, shaking or threatening harm.

Emotional Abuse

Behaviour that damages a child’s emotional wellbeing, such as constant criticism, scaring them, isolating them, or exposing them to bullying or domestic abuse.

Sexual Abuse

Any sexual activity involving a child, from inappropriate touching to grooming, showing sexual images, exploitation or FGM.

Domestic Abuse

Seeing or hearing abuse at home is harmful to children and is treated as a form of child abuse.

Contextual Safeguarding

Sometimes risks come from outside the family. Children and young people may be affected by:

  • Exploitation or gang activity
  • Drug use or dealing
  • Carrying weapons
  • Online grooming
  • Bullying
  • Spending time in unsafe places or with unsafe groups

These situations can be difficult for parents to control, so it’s important to recognise and report concerns.

Safeguarding vulnerable adults

If you believe a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.

What is adult abuse?

Adult abuse can happen in many different ways. It may involve harming someone, taking advantage of them, or failing to meet their basic needs. Abuse can happen at home, in the community, in a care setting, or online. It can be carried out by anyone, family, friends, neighbours, carers, professionals, or strangers.

Types of adult abuse

Physical abuse

Hitting, pushing, restraining, misuse of medication or any action causing physical harm.

Domestic abuse

Emotional, physical, sexual or financial abuse between partners or family members. This includes honour‑based violence, forced marriage and FGM.

Sexual abuse

Any sexual activity without consent, including inappropriate touching, sexual harassment, indecent exposure or sexual photography.

Psychological abuse

Humiliation, threats, intimidation, controlling behaviour, verbal abuse, harassment or cyberbullying.

Financial abuse

Theft, fraud, scams, pressure to hand over money, or misuse of someone’s property or benefits.

Modern slavery

Human trafficking, forced labour, exploitation or domestic servitude.

Discriminatory abuse

Harassment or unfair treatment based on race, gender, disability, age, religion or sexual orientation.

Neglect

Not providing essential care such as food, heating, medical help or personal support.

Self‑Neglect

When someone is unable to care for their own hygiene, health or home environment, including hoarding.

Organisational abuse

Poor care or neglect in a care home, hospital, supported living or any care setting.

Cuckooing

Cuckooing is when criminals take over a vulnerable person’s home, often to store or deal drugs. It is most commonly linked to county lines activity and can put the victim at serious risk.

Someone may be a victim of cuckooing if you notice:

  • Frequent visitors at unusual hours
  • Sudden changes in their daily routine
  • Unusual smells coming from the property
  • Suspicious or unfamiliar vehicles outside

If you think someone is being exploited in their own home:

  • Call the police on 999 in an emergency
  • Call 101 for non‑emergencies
  • Contact Adult Social Care
  • Let us know at safeguarding@wvht.co.uk
 
Who might be at risk?

A vulnerable adult is someone who has care or support needs and may find it difficult to protect themselves. This may include people who:

  • Are frail due to age, illness or disability
  • Have a learning disability
  • Have mental health needs, including dementia
  • Have a long‑term health condition
  • Misuse drugs or alcohol
  • Struggle to make certain decisions or lack capacity