SOMERSET NEWS: Help protect vulnerable adults by Thinking It and Reporting It!

A NEW campaign called “Thinking it? Report it” has been launched in Somerset this month urging people to make contact 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 from harm.

Richard Crompton, chairman of the SSAB, 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.”

So what does abuse or neglect look like? How would you spot it? 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.

“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.”

Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte, head of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Managing People and Places Department - which looks after vulnerable adults, 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. Please get in touch.”

There are a number of ways you can report a concern about a vulnerable adult. You can call 0300-123-2224 or email adults@somerset.gov.uk .

You can contact the police on the 101 number or via our website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk but please always dial 999 in an emergency – if someone is in danger or is at risk or if a crime is in progress.  

For more information about adult safeguarding issues, go online at www.somerset.gov.uk .

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