What happens after you report abuse?
If you think that an adult with care and support needs (for example, a disability, health condition or mental illness) is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect, contact us on 01926 412080. This line is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and Friday from 9am to 4.30pm.
During out-of-office hours an emergency duty social worker is available from 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, and from 5pm on Friday until 8.30am on the next working day. Call us on 01926 886922.
To report a crime, contact Warwickshire Police on 101. If it is an emergency, always dial 999
We will always take it seriously when someone tells us about abuse or a situation which they think could lead to abuse.
We will always make sure that an adult at risk of abuse receives the help they need, support them to take action on their own behalf, make choices and retain control over their life.
What we do next will depend on things like:
- How much danger the person is in. For example, if the person is in physical danger or if there is a chance that the abuse reported could happen again.
- How much support the person needs. Some people will need lots of support in their daily lives and so might need more support to stay safe.
- What the person wants to happen. Sometimes people do not want support from the council or other organisations like the police or health services.
We will find out more about the situation and with other people (like health staff and the police) plan what needs to happen to stop the abuse.
This is called a safeguarding enquiry. An enquiry could be carried out by a social worker, a health professional or the manager of a care agency.
If a crime has been committed, the enquiry will normally involve the police.
The enquiry will look at all the information available to work out:
- what has happened
- how the person is at risk of abuse
- what the person wants to happen now
- how to support the person to be safe in the future
We will do all we can to make sure that the views and wishes of the person at risk of abuse, guide what we do.”
Arranging independent support
If we think that the person at risk of abuse needs support to be fully involved, we may arrange for an independent advocate to support them.