Report a Safeguarding Concern

Local authorities hold the lead responsibility for coordinating safeguarding concerns for both children and adults, but all agencies share a duty to protect those at risk in line with the Care Act 2014 and Children Act 2004.

If you believe a child or adult is in immediate danger, call 999.

If you are concerned about a child

If you suspect or believe a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm, you must take action (Children Act 1989;2004).

Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility and all adults have a duty to report concerns.

Forms of abuse can include:

  • Emotional abuse
  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Neglect

Other forms of harm include:

  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
  • Honour‑based abuse, including: 
    • Domestic abuse
    • Threats or intimidation
    • Psychological or sexual abuse
    • Forced marriage
    • Being held against one’s will or taken somewhere against one’s wishes
    • Assault

Make a safeguarding child referral

Surrey

Brighton and Hove

East Sussex

West Sussex

If you are concerned about a adult

Adults with care and support needs may be unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect. This may include people who are:

  • living with a disability or long‑term condition
  • frail or needing support to live independently
  • experiencing mental health difficulties
  • homeless or experiencing memory loss
  • using drugs or alcohol
  • unpaid carers who may also be at risk

If you are a provider concerned about the quality of care, please refer to Reporting Care Quality Concerns.

Types of Adult Abuse (Care Act 2014)

  • Physical abuse – hitting, shaking, kicking, inappropriate restraint, locking someone in, or withholding medication.
  • Domestic abuse – controlling, coercive, threatening or violent behaviour between intimate partners or family members (Domestic Abuse Act 2021).
  • Sexual abuse – any sexual activity without consent or where a person lacks the capacity to consent.
  • Psychological abuse – threats, humiliation, bullying, intimidation or controlling behaviour.
  • Financial or material abuse – theft, fraud, exploitation, or misuse of someone’s money, property or assets.
  • Neglect – failing to meet essential care or support needs, including food, medication, heating or personal care.
  • Discriminatory abuse – harassment or ill‑treatment due to age, disability, race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation (Equality Act 2010).
  • Modern slavery – human trafficking, forced labour or exploitation.

Make a safeguarding adult referral

Surrey

Brighton

East Sussex

West Sussex