Do you know someone who is the victim of abuse or neglect? The chances are you do, but it is easy for victims to slip through the cracks and go unnoticed amidst the pressures of daily life.
Medway Council is supporting National Safeguarding Adults Awareness Week – which runs this week from Monday, 20 November – and is helping to raise awareness of the different types of abuse or neglect, and publicise how any concerns can be reported.
Abuse and neglect can come in multiple forms – and is not necessarily in the form of violence inflicted at the hands of another. Perhaps you know an elderly person who is unable to look after themselves properly, or someone neglecting themselves due to illness or addiction. In other circumstances abuse can be inflicted by partners, carers, acquaintances, or strangers, on one-off occasions or in regular, repeated incidents.
Everyone has a shared responsibility to look out for the signs of neglect and abuse, but concerns often go unreported if people feel it is not their business or simply don’t know who to contact for help.
We have all got a responsibility to look after each other
Cllr Teresa Murray, Medway Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Public Health, said: “We are proud to support National Safeguarding Adults Awareness week - we have all got a responsibility to look after each other and this week shines a spotlight on that. It is so important that you report any concerns you may have about someone to ensure they can get the help they need. If you want to learn more about identifying and reporting concerns, I would encourage you to come along and join us at the Pentagon Shopping Centre in Chatham on Thursday, 23 November, or visit our website, to find out more.”
During this week, Kent & Medway Safeguarding Adults Board is hosting two free virtual webinars, aimed at frontline professionals and people who might have experienced a safeguarding issue, individuals with care and support needs, and anyone caring for an at risk adult. You can book them here.
An information stand will also be in the Pentagon Shopping Centre in Chatham on Thursday, 23 November, from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Find out more information on adult abuse and safeguarding.
Concerns of abuse should be reported via the online form. Adult social care can be contacted on:
- 01634 334466: daytime hours (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
- 03000 419191: emergency out of hours.