Abuse or neglect of an adult at risk

Abuse is when someone does or says something to make you feel upset, scared or frightened.

If you or someone you know is suffering from harm, abuse or exploitation, please do not keep silent - tell someone you trust or phone the Enfield Adult Abuse Line on 020 8379 5212.

If you are worried that someone may see you visiting this web page follow the link below to quickly go to another website.

Emergency Exit

Disability, illness or frailty means that many adults over the age of 18 have to rely on other people to help them in their day-to-day living. Although most people are well cared for, some adults become vulnerable and at risk, very often from people they know, such as a relative, friend, neighbour or paid carer. We believe that every adult has the right to be treated with dignity, have their choices respected and live a life free from fear.

What is abuse?

Abuse can take many forms and all of them are distressing. Abuse is always wrong and is not your fault.

Abuse can be:

• Physical, for example hitting, slapping, pushing or physically restraining, or being forced to take medication.
• Emotional or psychological, for example shouting and swearing to make a person afraid.
• Sexual, for example unwanted touching, kissing or sexual intercourse.
• Financial, for example money or belongings taken under pressure or stolen without consent.
• Neglect, for example not being properly cared for, mismanaging medication or being denied privacy, choice or social contact.
• Discriminatory, for example suffering abuse or neglect because of religion, culture, gender, sexuality or disability.
• Institutional, for example mistreatment or abuse in a hospital or care home.

Abuse can take place in a person's own home, in a residential or nursing home or a day centre or hospital. Unfortunately those being abused are often the least likely to bring the situation to anyone's attention.

How can we help?

If you see or know of a worrying situation, please do not ignore it. Get in touch with us and we will do something about it. This may mean acting directly on your information and/or contacting other services to help stop an abusive or neglectful situation.

We will also provide information and offer practical advice to the person suffering abuse, so that they can make an informed choice about any help they might need, or any action they may wish to take. If they are unable to make an informed choice, care will be taken to support and protect them.