Every adult has the right to be treated with dignity, have their choices respected and live a life free from fear. We are all responsible for the safety of the most vulnerable members of our society.
North Wales Safeguarding Board video (external website)
Adults at risk
An adult at risk is an adult who:
- is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect
- has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs), and as a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.
If you see, or know of, a worrying situation, please do not ignore it.
What you can do
If you are an adult at risk, or if you are concerned about an adult who may be at risk, please tell us about it.
Disability, illness or frailty means that many adults have to rely on other people to help them in their day-to-day living. It is because they have to depend on others that they become vulnerable and at risk, from people they know such as a relative, friend, neighbour or paid carer. Abuse might take place in a person’s home, in a residential home, in a day centre or in a hospital.
Where possible you should get permission from the adult at risk to share your concerns. However, this may not always be possible.
Report suspected adult abuse
Tell us if you have reason to believe there is an adult at risk.
Call us on 0300 4561000 during the times below:
- Monday: 8:15am to 5:45pm
- Tuesday: 8:15am to 5:45pm
- Wednesday: 8:15am to 2pm and 3pm to 5:45pm
- Thursday: 8:15am to 5:45pm
- Friday: 8:15am to 5:45pm
- Saturday: 10am to 4pm
- Sunday: 10am to 4pm
- Bank holidays (except Christmas Day and Easter Sunday): 10am to 4pm
If you need to speak to a duty social worker in an emergency outside of these hours, you can phone 0345 053 3116 (calls to this number cost you 2 pence per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).
Contact SPoA online
If you believe an adult is in immediate danger, call the Police on 999.
Abuse or being badly treated
Abuse is any action that harms another person, and can be:
- physical (e.g. hitting, slapping, pushing, physically or restraining)
- emotional (e.g. bullying, taunting, threatening or humiliating someone)
- verbal (e.g. shouting or swearing)
- financial (e.g. money or belongings being taken under pressure or without consent)
- sexual (e.g. unwanted touching, kissing or sexual intercourse)
- neglect (e.g. not being properly cared for, mismanaging medication, being denied privacy, choice or social contact)
- discrimination (e.g. suffering abuse or neglect on the grounds of religion, culture, gender, sexuality or disability)
- modern slavery (e.g. being forced to work for no money, being controlled by an employer)