As part of Safeguarding Adults Week, Wokingham Borough Council is calling on residents to come together to help protect members of our community that may be vulnerable or at risk of harm.
Keeping people safe from abuse and neglect is everybody’s business, and the council is asking residents to get in contact if they suspect that something isn’t right.
Some adults within our borough will sadly be harmed by someone they know. They might be unable to report it due to illness or disability, may feel afraid to tell someone in case the abuse gets worse, or worry they won’t be believed. Some adults may not even realize that the way they are being treated is abuse.
Abuse and neglect can take many forms and can be caused by someone the adult knows, including a member of their family, a friend, neighbor or carer. Often abuse is thought of as being physical, but quite often it is more subtle and may not be as easy to notice.
Abuse can come in many forms including physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behavior, controlling or coercive behavior and economic abuse, as well as psychological and emotional abuse
Cllr David Hare, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services said, “Abuse can happen anywhere including in the adult’s home and keeping people safe from abuse and neglect is everybody’s business. There is no excuse for abuse, and we need to know about it, so we can stop it happening and prevent it happening in the future.
“We need everyone’s help to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Please get in contact if you suspect that something isn’t right – you may not know, but it is enough that you are worried. Everyone can make a difference.
“The cost of providing basic services is increasing dramatically, but through sound financial management, we are committed to protecting vital services that allow us to provide help and support when needed to keep our residents safe.”
The council has been hosting free webinars during safeguarding week on a wide spectrum of safeguarding issues to help educate health and social care practitioners and members of the voluntary sector.
Together with other members of the West of Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board, the council invited speakers from different services and charities, including the Ann Craft Trust, Hourglass and the Fire and Rescue Service, to share their insight and attendees were provided learning resources to support safeguarding awareness.
To report a safeguarding issue, please call the Adult Safeguarding Hub on (0118) 974 6371. If someone is at immediate risk of harm and in an emergency, contact the police on 999.