Emergencies
If you have an emergency, call the Police on 999.
If it isn't an emergency but you need help quickly, call the Police on 101.
All other times
Use our online form to report suspected adult abuse if nobody's health or safety is in immediate danger.
Report adult abuse (for professionals)
Report adult abuse (for public)
Other ways to report adult abuse
You can call Care Direct on 0117 922 2700:
- 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday
- 8.30am to 4.30pm, Friday
There's an answerphone service outside these hours.
What you should tell us:
- why you're concerned
- the name, age and address of the adult at risk
- if anyone lives with them
- if they're getting help from any organisation
- who may be doing the abuse
Don't wait to report abuse if you're not sure about some of these details.
If reporting the abuse might put you at risk, you can let us know anonymously.
Under the Care Act 2014, an adult may be at risk of abuse or neglect if they:
- have needs for care and support, whether or not they receive support services
- are experiencing, or are at risk of, abuse or neglect
- are unable to protect themselves because of their care and support needs
Abuse or neglect can happen to anyone. It might be deliberate, or it might happen because someone is unable to provide safe or appropriate care. What matters is whether the adult has been harmed or placed at risk.
Types of abuse and neglect
Abuse or neglect can include:
- physical abuse: hitting, pushing, rough handling, misuse of medication, unnecessary restraint
- sexual abuse: any sexual activity the adult has not consented to, cannot consent to, or does not understand
- emotional or psychological abuse: threats, intimidation, harassment, humiliation, controlling or coercive behaviour
- financial or material abuse: theft, fraud, misuse of money or property, pressure around wills or benefits
- neglect: not meeting essential needs such as medication, food, hydration, personal care or medical attention
- discriminatory abuse: harassment, bullying or unequal treatment because of disability, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality or age
- organisational abuse: poor or unsafe care, poor systems, rigid routines, or unsafe staffing in any care setting
- modern slavery: forced labour, human trafficking, criminal exploitation or domestic servitude
- self-neglect: when someone's personal care, health, safety or living environment puts them at risk. This can include hoarding or refusing essential care
Where abuse can happen
Abuse or neglect can take place anywhere, including in:
- someone's own home
- supported living or sheltered housing
- care homes and nursing homes
- hospitals or health settings
- day services or community groups
- any environment where someone relies on others for support
There are many agencies in Bristol who work together to protect adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect.
This includes responding to safeguarding concerns, sharing information appropriately, and working together to promote people's safety and rights.
If you're a professional, use our online report suspected abuse form for professionals.
You have a duty to report any concerns about abuse. Your employer will have a reporting procedure.
If you do not want to use your employer's procedure, call Bristol Care Direct on 0117 922 2700 from:
- 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday
- 8.30am to 4.30pm, Friday
You may:
- witness or report abuse or neglect
- experience intentional or unintentional harm from the adult you're trying to support
- unintentionally or intentionally harm or neglect the adult you support
If you're part of a safeguarding enquiry or review, we'll look at the whole situation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both the adult at risk and you as their carer.
There's more information on our carers advice and support page.