Abuse is behaviour that can lead to harm or distress; for exampe hitting, pushing, bullying, stealing, neglect, or sexual activity without consent.
It can happen to both men, women and children, and in many different places.
It is carried out by many different people, but it's often someone known and trusted.
Abuse is wrong and should not happen
Recognise it and report it
If you think someone is being abused or you think their safety is at risk, then it is important to tell someone.
Where a crime has been committed or if you're worried about someone's immediate safety, contact the Police by dialling 999.
Otherwise you should report your concens to a county council social work team.
Reporting child abuse
To report concerns about a child, please contact the First Response Team.
A trained member of staff will be available to help you between 8:00am - 8:00pm, Monday-Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). To report a concern outside of these hours, please contact the Emergency Duty Service.
Reporting abuse of a vulnerable adult
To report concerns about a vulnerable adult please:
A trained member of staff will be available to help you between 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday-Thursday (excluding Bank Holidays) and 08:30am - 4:30pm Fridays To report a concern outside of these hours, please contact the Emergency Duty Service.
Find out more and get further guidance on reporting abuse of a vulnerable adult
Reporting abuse out of hours - the Emergency Duty Service
If you have a concern about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult and need to report it overnight, over a weekend or on a Bank Holiday, contact the Emergency Duty Service:
| Phone: | 0845 6042886 |
| Fax: | 01785 277321 |
| Text: | 07773 792016 |
Can I remain anonymous?
You will be asked about your own details but as a member of the public, you can choose to remain anonymous.
What will happen after I've reported my concerns?
What happens next depends on the seriousness of the situation.
In response to a call, trained staff will carry out a careful and sensitive enquiry in line with locally agreed procedures.
The information provided will be discussed with other agencies including the police. Where you have reported a concern about a child or young person, the information will also become part of the child's electronic record.
Meetings may be held to agree what will happen next. Information and advice will be offered so that choices can be made and help given.
Other sources of advice
| Staffordshire Police, non Emergency | 0300 123 4455 |
| Crimestoppers | 0800 555 111 |
NSPCC Helpline | 0808 800 5000 |
| Action on Elder Abuse | 0808 808 8141 |
| Care Quality Commission (CQC) |