What is abuse?
Abuse is a violation of someone's human and civil rights by another person or group of people.
The person causing harm may be known to the person suffering abuse. They could be a friend, a relative or a neighbour. They may be in a position of trust and power. They may be a professional in healthcare, social care or education.
Abuse can happen anywhere, including at home or in public places. It can be a single incident or repeated acts of abuse and neglect.
What is safeguarding?
All adults have the right to live their lives free from abuse, fear and harm.
Some adults have care and support needs which means they may be unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect. Others may have difficulties making their wishes and feelings known and this can put them at greater risk of abuse or neglect.
Safeguarding means protecting people from abuse or neglect. Sometimes this can be done by one agency, however it can often involve people from a range of organisations working together to stop the abuse and protect the person.
