If someone is in immediate danger, call the police on 999
Non-emergencies
If you do not think it's an emergency, you can report your concern to us using our online form.
You can also phone 020 8726 6500.
If your report is submitted out of office hours (8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, not including public holidays), it will be picked up the next working day.
What will happen if you report suspected abuse to us
Our social work team will:
- Start gathering information, including a discussion with the adult at risk about their views and how they would like to be supported.
- Decide what happens next and whether to arrange a safeguarding planning meeting.
- Arrange formal multi-agency meetings which will always involve the adult at risk and or their representative.
- Some initial enquiries may lead to alternative methods of supporting the individual at risk, such as reviewing the level of support available to them, carrying out a carer’s assessment or assisting in making a formal complaint.
- In all cases the aim is to involve the person at risk, or someone who can represent them, in all discussions from the outset to make sure that any actions that follow take account of their wishes and feelings.
Types of abuse
Abuse is when someone does or says something to make someone else feel that that they are at risk of potential harm or danger. Abuse can come in many forms, including:
- domestic abuse, including psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse
- neglect, including failure to provide access to appropriate support, ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, withholding of medication, suitable nutrition, heating and other necessities
- organisational abuse, including neglect and poor care practice within an institution or care home, or care provided in your home
- modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced labour and domestic slavery
- physical abuse, including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication or restraint
- discriminatory abuse, including forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment because of race, gender and gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion
- emotional or psychological abuse, including threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact with others, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying or unjustified withdrawal of services and supportive networks
- self-neglect, including hoarding and neglecting to care for personal hygiene, health or surroundings
- financial abuse, including theft, fraud, internet scamming, pressure relating to financial matters or arrangements (such as wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions), or the misuse of benefits
- sexual abuse, including rape, sexual assault, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo