What is safeguarding adults? Brief Guide (2015)

Safeguarding adults is about people and organisations working together to stop abuse happening to adults who are unable to protect themselves. Abuse means being treated badly. It could be physical, psychological or sexual. Other types of abuse include financial abuse – taking money from people without consent – and neglect – not having basic needs met. Organisational abuse is when a person’s needs are seen as less important than the smooth running of an organisation or home. Domestic abuse, ‘modern slavery’ - where people are made to work for no or low wages - and antisocial behaviour may also be safeguarding issues. Self-neglect (where someone is not meeting their own basic needs) can also be included in safeguarding.