Worried about an adult

If someone is in immediate danger

If you believe you, or someone else, is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 and ask for the Police straight away.

We take all concerns seriously

If you are worried about abuse or neglect, please don’t ignore it. Don’t keep it to yourself or delay reporting it.

You do not have to be 100% certain that abuse is happening. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to raise your concern. We are here to listen and help.

How to report a concern (non-urgent)

To report a non-urgent concern about abuse or neglect, contact Oldham Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH):

You can also report a concern online using our form:

Report abuse or neglect of an adult

What is abuse?

Abuse can range from being treated in a way that causes distress or affects someone’s quality of life, to causing physical harm.

Abuse can happen anywhere, including:

  • Someone’s own home
  • A care home
  • A day centre
  • A hospital

Types of abuse

Abuse can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse – hitting, slapping, pushing
  • Psychological or emotional abuse – shouting, swearing, threats, or intimidation
  • Sexual abuse – unwanted touching, kissing, or sexual activity
  • Financial abuse – money or property taken without consent, or through pressure
  • Neglect – not receiving proper care, or being denied privacy, choice, or social contact
  • Discriminatory abuse – unfair treatment because of gender, age, disability, race, sexual orientation, religion, culture, background, or illness
  • Institutional abuse – poor care practices or neglect within a hospital or care home
  • Domestic abuse
  • Modern slavery – including human trafficking, forced labour, and domestic servitude
  • Self-neglect – not caring for personal hygiene, health, or surroundings (including hoarding)

Possible signs of abuse

It can sometimes be difficult to recognise abuse. Signs may include:

  • Unexplained injuries
  • Fear, anxiety, or distress
  • Withdrawal or changes in behaviour
  • Signs of neglect
  • Evidence of theft, fraud, or financial exploitation
  • A person acting or appearing noticeably different from usual

If you notice any of these signs, please report your concerns.

What happens after you report abuse?

When you report a concern:

  • A social worker or health professional will speak with the adult involved.
  • If abuse is taking place, a plan will be made to help keep them safe.
  • If enquiries are needed, the person and their carers will be supported throughout.
  • Other relevant people may be contacted to help understand the situation.

Our priority is to ensure the person’s safety, wellbeing, and dignity.

What is an adult at risk?

An adult at risk of abuse or neglect is someone aged 18 or over who:

  • Has care and support needs (whether or not the local authority is meeting those needs), and
  • Is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect, and
  • Because of their care and support needs, is unable to protect themselves from harm.

This may be due to:

  • Age
  • A mental health condition
  • A physical disability
  • A learning disability

Abuse can be carried out by someone known to the person — such as a relative, friend, neighbour, or paid carer — or sometimes by a stranger.

Adult Social Care has a legal duty to make safeguarding enquiries where these conditions are met.

Further information and guidance

If you are concerned that someone may be experiencing abuse or neglect, please use the safeguarding contact details above to report it.

However, if you or someone you support simply needs help with day-to-day living such as managing at home, accessing equipment, housing advice, or wellbeing support help is available. You do not need to be in crisis to get in touch.

We are here to help people stay independent, safe and well:

  • Get help and Support

Oldham Safeguarding Adults Board (OSAB)

Oldham Safeguarding Adults Board is a partnership of organisations working together to protect adults who are vulnerable, at risk, or experiencing abuse and neglect.

Visit the Oldham Safeguarding Adults Board website for more information.

Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)

The Social Care Institute for Excellence provides guidance to help identify signs and indicators of abuse. Many forms of abuse are criminal offences and should be treated as such.

Visit the SCIE website – Types and indicators of abuse for further guidance.

If you are worried about someone, please speak up. Reporting concerns can make a real difference and may help keep someone safe.