Report adult abuse

Concerned about an adult

If you know an adult who might be at risk, it's important to speak up.

  • immediate danger: Call 999 right away.
  • non-emergency concern: If you're worried but it's not an emergency, call us at 020 8303 7777 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) and ask for 'screeners', or email screeners@bexley.gov.uk. 

We will ask for details about the situation and decide what to do, usually within two days. 

We will try to keep you updated, but we can't always share personal details. Just know that we prioritise the safety of the person at risk.

What is abuse?

Abuse means hurting or mistreating someone in different ways. Here are some examples:

Physical abuse

Intentionally hurting or injuring someone on purpose. This could be hitting, smacking, pushing, shaking, spitting, pinching, burning, giving someone the wrong medicine, using improper restraints, or any other way of causing harm to someone's body. 

Emotional abuse

This means trying to scare or control someone by making them afraid or using methods to isolate them.

Sexual abuse

Doing anything sexual to someone without their permission.

Financial abuse

Taking advantage of someone's money or belongings. 

Neglect

Not taking care of someone properly, like not giving them food or medical help. 

Discrimination

Mistreating someone because of things like their race, gender, or age.

Institutional abuse

Mistreating people in places like nursing homes or hospitals where they should be cared for. 

Abuse can hurt people, so it's important to recognise it and get help if you see it happening. 

Sometimes, people close to at-risk adults might mistreat them. This could be family members, caregivers, volunteers, or even neighbours and friends. 

It can also happen in places like nursing homes or hospitals where people aren't cared for properly.

Abuse might be done on purpose, because of neglect, or because the person responsible doesn't know any better. 

Contact us

If they are in immediate danger, call 999.

If it's not an emergency but you're worried, you can reach us at 020 8303 7777 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) and ask for 'screeners', or email screeners@bexley.gov.uk.

Concerned about a care home or domiciliary agency

If you're worried about something, tell us by calling 020 8303 7777 or email screeners@bexley.gov.uk. 

You can also report it to the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

For more information on safeguarding adults, visit the Bexley Safeguarding Adults Board.