Hemel residents urged to look out for signs of adult abuse during National Safeguarding Adults Week

Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board is raising awareness of adult abuse and neglect during National Safeguarding Adults Week.

Abuse and neglect can happen in people’s homes, care settings or in the community and can take many forms including physical, sexual, psychological and financial.

Everyone has a right to feel safe, free from abuse and neglect, but not everyone is able to speak up, and those most at risk need support to protect themselves.

Any residents who see something, hear something, or have that gut feeling that something is wrong, should contact Hertfordshire County Council’s Adult Care Services or dial 999 in an emergency. They can also report a safeguarding concern online.

Elizabeth Hanlon, chair of Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board said: “Despite this uncertain time, it’s very important that safeguarding remains on our agenda.

"Safeguarding threats have not stopped because of the pandemic - quite the opposite; domestic abuse, neglect and financial scams are on the rise, and there has also been a surge in mental health referrals.

"It is everyone’s responsibility to keep those adults at risk safe within our community.”

Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board is a statutory sector partnership which has a key role in supporting and challenging all organisations who have responsibility for safeguarding adults in Hertfordshire.

The board brings the organisations and communities together to create a safer Hertfordshire, where all adults at risk can live, work and are cared for free from abuse, violence or aggression.

Safeguarding Adults Week is an opportunity for a nationwide conversation to raise awareness, stand up to abuse and neglect and protect adults at risk.

Everyone, from all walks of life, should be aware of the role they can play in helping to prevent abuse. Everyone should know how to spot the signs of abuse and neglect, and the actions to take.

Safeguarding is everyone’s business so play your part. Phone Adult Care Services on 0300 123 40 42 or go to www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/adults and report a safeguarding concern. In emergency always call 999.