I think someone is being abused or neglected
Anyone can raise a safeguarding concern. The council must make enquiries if an adult with care needs may be at risk of abuse or neglect.
The interactive version is available in 6 languages and Easy Read.
Your rights
- To report a concern to the council's safeguarding team. You don't need proof.
- The council must make enquiries, or ask others to, when the legal test is met.
- Adults at risk should be involved and have their wishes heard (making safeguarding personal).
- Advocacy if the person would struggle to take part.
What to do next
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
- Contact the council's adult safeguarding team (search: '[your council] adult safeguarding').
- Give facts: what you saw, when, and who was involved.
- If it's in a regulated service, you can also tell the CQC.
Say this
“I want to raise a safeguarding concern about an adult who may be at risk of abuse or neglect.”
The law behind it (England)
- Care Act 2014s.42 safeguarding enquiries, s.68 advocacy
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014Reg.13 safeguarding
- Human Rights Act 1998Article 3: inhuman or degrading treatment
Elsewhere in the UK
- Scotland
- In Scotland, the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 applies.
- Wales
- In Wales, Part 7 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 applies.
- Northern Ireland
- In Northern Ireland, report to the Trust's adult safeguarding team.
Easy Read
What you need to know
- You think an adult is being hurt, ignored or treated badly.
- Anyone can report this.
- You do not need proof.
- The council must look into it.
What you can do
- If someone is in danger now, call 999.
- Call your council’s safeguarding team.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. How we check our information.