Keeping people safe
If you think that someone might be in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
This page is for people who support others and want to understand how to keep them safe from abuse. It also explains what to do if you’re worried about someone’s safety and how to get help.
You might find this helpful if:
- the person you support may be at risk of abuse.
- you need help to keep them safe.
- their behaviour is becoming more dependent or difficult, and you need support to stay safe and continue your caring role.
What is abuse?
Abuse can happen anywhere—at home, in a care home, hospital, day centre or in public. Anyone can cause harm.
We use the term safeguarding to describe how we keep people safe from abuse. All public services, including the police, NHS and local councils, take this very seriously.
What is safeguarding?
It’s about people and organisations working together to prevent harm and respond when someone is at risk.
Safeguarding also means listening to the person, respecting their wishes, and making sure their wellbeing is at the heart of any decisions.
Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding. This includes professionals, carers, neighbours, friends, and family. If you’re worried about someone, it’s always okay to speak up.
Where abuse can happen—and who might cause harm
Abuse can happen anywhere: at home, in a care home, hospital, day centre, or in public.
Anyone can cause harm—family, friends, professionals, or strangers.
Who might be at risk?
People may be more at risk if they:
- rely on others for support
- are older and less able to protect themselves
- live with mental health conditions
- have a physical or learning disability
- have sight or hearing loss
- live with dementia
- use alcohol or drugs
- have a long-term health condition
Types of abuse
Abuse can take many forms, including:
- physical
- emotional or psychological
- sexual
- neglect
- financial or material
- self-neglect
- discrimination
- modern slavery
- organisational abuse
- domestic abuse
You can find more detail on the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Safeguarding Adults Board website.
If someone tells you they’re being abused
Do:
- stay calm and listen
- offer support
- write down what they say in their own words
- keep any evidence safe
- contact us or the police
- call 999 in an emergency
Don’t:
- ask for more details
- speak to the person they say is causing harm
- promise to keep it secret
- assume someone else will report it
What to do if you’re worried
If you or someone you know is being harmed or you’re worried they might be:
- During office hours: contact the BCP Council Adult Social Care Hub
- Telephone: 01202 123654
- Email: aschub@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
- Out of hours: call the Emergency Duty Service
- Telephone: 0300 123 9895
- If you are concerned about a child: Contact Children’s First Response
- Telephone: 01202 123334
- Email: childrensfirstresponse@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
When you report abuse, we will:
- take your concerns seriously
- treat the situation with care and respect
- make sure the person is safe
- look into what’s happened