Help keep vulnerable adults and children safe from harm
Signs that an adult may be being abused
- becoming quiet and withdrawn
- being upset or angry for no obvious reason
- looking unkempt, dirty or thinner than usual
- sudden changes in character such as appearing helpless, depressed or tearful
- physical signs such as bruises, wounds, fractures or other untreated injuries
- the same injuries happening more than once
- not wanting to be left by themselves or alone with particular people
- being unusually light-hearted and insisting there's nothing wrong.
Who to contact if you are worried about an adult
There are people who can help – please contact:
Non-urgent referrals
01733 747474, option 4 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) Peterborough Adult Social Care
adultsocialcare@peterborough.gov.uk
Emergency referrals
01733 747474, option 4 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) Peterborough Adult Social Care
01733 234724 (outside office hours and at weekends) Emergency Duty Team
999 if someone is in immediate danger
Signs that a child may be being abused
Signs of child neglect can include:
- poor appearance and hygiene - they may smell or appear dirty have unwashed clothes or seem hungry
- have health or development problems - such as untreated or repeated injuries, poor muscle tone, thin or swollen stomach, tiredness or faltering weight or growth
- housing and family issues - living in an unsuitable home, being left alone for a long period of time, taking on the role of carer for other family members.
Who to contact if you are worried about a child
There are people who can help – please contact:
In office hours
01733 864180 Peterborough City Council Children's Services
or the Police on 101 for non-emergencies
Report a concern using the online form on the council website
Out of office hours, at weekends and on public holidays
01733 234 724 - Emergency Duty Team
If someone is in immediate danger call 999.
If you have any concerns about and adult at risk or a child, please report it. You could help prevent further abuse.
If contact is made early enough, it might be possible to prevent harm of a child or adult from taking place.
What will happen when you report your concerns
- respond professionally and sensitively and take your concerns seriously
- talk to the police if a crime may have been committed
- provide help and support, and take action to end the abuse and try to ensure that it doesn’t happen again
- talk to other agencies that need to be involved
- work to keep the child or adult safe.
