RCGP Safeguarding toolkit

1. Concern about abuse

There are lots of different types of adult abuse, as described in the ‘Identification of abuse and neglect’ section of this toolkit. As with child abuse, concerns about adult abuse can emerge over time or not be particularly clear. There can be more than one type of abuse occurring at the same time. There can also be situations where it is unclear who is the perpetrator of abuse and who is the victim of abuse. In addition, a victim of abuse can also perpetrate abuse towards others.

Knowing the indicators of all the different types of abuse as well as using our professional curiosity to find out what life is like for any adult where there are concerns about abuse, is vital to supporting and protecting adults at risk of harm.

If you are unsure whether an adult is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, abuse, talk to others within the healthcare team who may know the adult better and/or be able to provide another piece of the safeguarding jigsaw. You can also have a discussion with your organisational safeguarding lead or your local safeguarding professionals.