A NEW campaign called ’Thinking it? Report it’ urges people in Somerset to take action if they think someone is being harmed.
The campaign has been launched with support from Somerset’s Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB), a group of agencies including Somerset County Council, Avon and Somerset Police, the NHS and others, who work together to protect vulnerable adults.
SSAB chairman Richard Crompton said: “If you are worried that someone is being harmed or neglected in some way, report it. Our safeguarding services can look into it and find out what is happening.
“We know from our experience there are vulnerable people in Somerset who are being subjected to abuse, but they may lack the ability, knowledge or support to challenge it or do something about it.
“That’s why we need people to speak up for them. If you suspect it, think it, hear it or see it, report it to us. Your intervention could save someone’s life.”
Abuse of vulnerable adults is widespread and complex. In many cases, the type of abuse suffered by a victim is wide ranging. It can be physical, mental, financial, sexual or, in some cases, neglect.
Mr Crompton said: “People who are physically, emotionally or psychologically frail and dependent on others for their care can be neglected and taken advantage of by others in a number of ways.
“This can be physical harm, bullying, discrimination, neglect or financial abuse.
“It can affect vulnerable men and women from all social backgrounds. Abuse can happen anywhere.
“In some cases, the abuser is a member of the victim’s own family or someone who is paid to care for them. That makes the problem more hidden, and why we need people to come forward where they have a valid suspicion that something might not be right.”
Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s managing people and places department looks after vulnerable adults.
Department head Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte said: “The police take the safeguarding of adults and vulnerable people very seriously. We have specialist officers to deal with victims of abuse and well-established safeguarding units to assess and triage the risk to vulnerable people.
“We are pleased to be working with our partners to make peoples whose lives are a misery due to abuse better.
“We want to hear from the public if they have even the smallest concern that someone is being abused, neglected or mistreated.”
To report a concern about a vulnerable adult call 0300 123 2224 or email [email protected].
Alternatively, contact the police on 101 or via the website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk but always dial 999 in an emergency – if someone is in danger or is at risk or if a crime is in progress.
More information about adult safeguarding issues can be found at www.somerset.gov.uk.