The term ‘safeguarding’ can apply to both adults and children and is about protecting them, preventing their abuse or neglect and educating those around them to recognise the signs and dangers. Abuse can be financial, emotional, psychological, sexual or physical.
Safeguarding usually refers to those who may be vulnerable; this can include:
- children and young people under the age of 18
- people with physical, visual, hearing or learning disability
- people with mental health issues
- the elderly, frail or ill
- those suffering from any form of domestic abuse
If you believe you, or someone else, is in danger or that a crime has been committed, your first step should be to alert the emergency services by dialling 999.
Other useful contacts:
Call Essex Social Services for help, advice or information for yourself or someone you know.- To report an adult or child safeguarding concern, call 0345 603 7634, or if out of hours call 0345 606 1212
- Visit Children at Risk of Abuse and Neglect or Living Well Essex - Staying safe