Safeguarding

Safeguarding means protecting a person's right to live in safety, free from abuse, harm, exploitation and neglect.

Safeguarding includes:

reducing the risk of abuse and neglect

stopping abuse or neglect where possible

reporting any type of abuse immediately

Abuse is a violation of one person’s human or civil rights by another. There are lots of different ways that human beings can abuse or harm one another. The guidance to the Care Act gives us some examples:

Physical abuse - anything that causes physical harm such as, pushing, hitting, shaking or over-medicating.
Domestic violence including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse and so called ‘honour’ based violence.

Sexual any sexual activity that a person does not understand or want.
Psychological including shouting, swearing or threats that make the person feel afraid or humiliated.
Financial or material including theft, fraud, internet scamming, the illegal or improper use of a person’s money, benefits, property, pension, bank account or other belongings.
Modern slavery including slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude that forces the person into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.
Discriminatory including racist or sexist abuse or abuse based on a person’s age, disability, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

Organisational including neglect and poor care within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital, care home or care provided in a person’s home.
Neglect and acts of omission not giving the help, support or treatment needed including not providing food, drink or medical care. Ignoring the need for medical, physical or psychological care, failure to provide access to health care services and withholding the necessities of life such as heating, medication and food
Self-neglect covers a range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings.
Radicalisation where an individual or group is encouraged to adopt extreme political, social or religious ideals which could put them in danger

Abuse and neglect can happen anywhere and at any time. This may be at a care home, work, someone’s home, a day centre or a hospital. It is important that you are alert to any potential abuse at all times.

NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB has an agreed strategic approach to maintain safe and effective safeguarding services and to strengthen arrangements for safeguarding children and adults at risk from abuse and neglect across Birmingham and Solihull.

The Care Act 2014 provides that local authorities, ICBs and the chief officer of the local police must be members of the Safeguarding Adults Board. In addition, the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and statutory guidance outlines a new system for multi-agency safeguarding arrangements and child death arrangements. The ICB is an active member of Birmingham and Solihull Safeguarding Adults Board, as well as Birmingham Safeguarding Children’s Board and Solihull Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.

Our patients, family and friends and carers and those who work in Birmingham and Solihull know about consent and the relationship with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The Act empowers people to make their own decisions wherever possible, and protects people who lack capacity by providing a flexible framework that places individuals at the very heart of the decision-making process.

If you're worried that yourself, a patient or carer is being abused or at risk, it's important to act as soon as possible. It's everyone's responsibility to report signs of abuse – do not assume another professional will do something.

If you suspect abuse and you are in immediate danger, telephone 999. If the person is not in immediate danger, contact the police, call 101.

If you witness abuse at the care home, workplace, hospital you should report this to the manager, nurse or safeguarding lead immediately.

It is important to protect yourself and do not put yourself in situations where you could be at risk. It is essential to be alert at all times.

If you have concerns about your physical health, you should book an appointment with your GP.

Domestic violence and abuse helplines, as well as website addresses for organisations offering help and advice, are available below.

Birmingham City Council