Safeguarding
Most children and adults live safely, free from harm, abuse and neglect. However some children or adults have care or support needs that make it difficult for them to protect themselves from abuse.
KUMAR MEDICAL CENTRE recognises that abuse can be perpetrated in one of three ways:
- Deliberate intent;
- Negligence;
Incidents of abuse can be one-off events, or may be carried out over a long period. There may be one or more persons involved in these acts.
Forms of Abuse
There are many potential forms of abuse which could take place, including:
- Physical abuse – including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate physical sanctions.
- Domestic violence – including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse; so called ‘honour’ based violence.
- Sexual abuse – including rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts, indecent exposure and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting.
- Psychological abuse – including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks.
- Financial or material abuse – including theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.
Modern slavery – slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment. Modern Slavery Helpline Call 08000 121 700 to get help, report a suspicion or get advice.
Discriminatory abuse – including forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment; because of race, gender and gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Organisational abuse – including neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one off incidents to on-going ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation.
Neglect and acts of omission – including ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, care and support or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating
- Self-neglect – this covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. It involves no other perpetrator.
Recognising Abuse
Although victims of abuse will not always react in the same way, some of the more common indicators could include:
- Full or partial disclosure;
- Frequent and unexplained minor injuries or bruising;
- Signs of depression or stress;
- Neglected personal care;
- Weight loss;
- Changes in habits and frequent mood swings, ranging from withdrawal from social activities to a total lack of communication;
- Exaggerated, sudden and unexpected personality and behavioural changes;
- Confusion;
- A state of new and persistent financial hardship;
- A lack of recognition of any real problem;
- Attention seeking behaviour;
- Acceptance or resignation that their circumstances are as such due to the individual being of a certain characteristic (e.g. age, disability, race, gender).
WHO TO CONTACT :
Locally for Children or Young Person :
If you are concerned that a child or young person is being harmed through abuse or neglect, ring the Front Door Hub number 01753 875362. The operating hours (for this team only) are 9am to 5pm
For general enquiries, use 01753 477321 between 9am and 5pm.
For emergencies outside these hours call the Emergency Duty Team on 01344 786543 email: EDT@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or dial 999.
If the child or young person requires immediate protection please call the Front Door Hub on 01753 875362 and send the electronic multi-agency referral form (MARF) to sloughchildren.referrals@scstrust.co.uk.
If you require more information how to protect children and young person from abuse or neglect, please use the link https://www.sloughsafeguardingboards.org.uk/lscb
WHO TO CONTACT LOCALLY FOR ADULTS:
In an emergency, call the Police on 999.
If you think there has been a crime but it is not an emergency, call the Police on 101.
Contact Slough Adult Social Care Services:
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm:
- Call 01753 475111
- Email adults@slough.gov.uk.
Out of normal office hours, call the Emergency Duty Team on 01344 786543If you require more information how to protect an adult from abuse or neglect, please use the link