Abuse and Abusers  Who might be causing the abuse?
Abuse can be deliberate or it can be due to ignorance. Abusers can be anyone including family or friends, paid or voluntary members of staff, or carers in any setting.
Common signs and reactions to abuse
- Financial abuse victims may not have enough money to cover bills, food and other living expenses
- Physical and sometimes sexual abuse may show through unexplained marks, bruises or injuries
- Neglect may take the form of shabby appearance and little or no food or heating in the home
- Adults who have been abused may behave differently than normal or show signs of fear in the presence of certain individuals.
- They may also appear frightened or depressed, with a sense of hopelessness.
What to do about abuse
If you think someone is being abused or someone is abusing you, contact the duty social work team or Southwark Police on the telephone numbers listed below
- Duty social worker, 0845 600 1287 - open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
- Out of hours team, 020 7525 5000 - open after 5pm and at weekends
- Southwark Police (hate crime unit), 020 7232 6160 / 6218 / 6237
After a referral has been made
A member of staff will
- Listen to the person and take what they have to say seriously
- Gather information
- Ensure the person is safe
- Get immediate medical treatment if someone is injured
- Involve the police if a crime is suspected
- Involve other professionals to investigate and protect the person from further abuse
Useful contacts and safeguarding adults publications
Contact
Safeguarding adults team
Tel: 020 7525 1754
Fax: 020 7525 1711
safeguardingadultscoordinator@southwark.gov.uk
Mabel Goldwin House
49 Grange Walk
London
SE1 3DY |
| |