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What to do if you think an adult is being abused

If you are the victim of abuse, or you know someone who you think is at risk of abuse, is being or has been abused, then it is really important to seek help.

If an adult is in danger first ensure the individual is safe. Call emergency services if immediate help is needed. Dial 999 and ask for the appropriate emergency service.

If it is not an emergency, then contact Adult and Community Services or if criminal abuse is involved, contact the police.

Tell the person that you speak to that you are worried about possible adult abuse. You will be put in touch with the most appropriate person to talk to.

A worker from Adult and Community Services will make an assessment that may lead to an investigation using the multi-agency policy and procedures Local Safeguarding Protocol. This may involve several agencies, for example health or the police.

  • Action will then be taken to ensure the adults at risk are protected in the future.
  • Where a criminal offence has been committed the police will be informed.
  • Your action will prevent abuse.

Further Information

  • Alert / Referral Flowchart
  • Overview Flowchart 7 Stages of Safeguarding Adults

Flowcharts of overview of safeguarding process and alert referral.pdf(pdf, 39KB)

People who abuse

  • Are often well know to their victims but they can be strangers.
  • A relative, partner, child, friend or neighbour or paid or voluntary worker, health or social care worker can abuse.

Contact Adult and Community Services

For more information and advice on services in the community or to make a referral to Adult and Community Services, please contact us on

Telephone: 020 8891 7971
Text: 07800 002439
Email: adultsocialservices@richmond.gov.uk

You can also contact us by using the Adult and Community Services enquiry form.

Our office hours are 9am to 5.15pm on Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5.00pm on Friday.

Emergency enquiries

For emergency queries outside of office hours you can call our Adults Emergency Duty Team on

Telephone: 020 8744 2442
Minicom: 0845 600 7752
Type Talk: 1800 1 020 8744 9414

The service is available from 5pm to 8am on Monday to Friday and 24 hours on weekends and Bank Holidays.

Or you can contact your nearest Council office or if criminal abuse is involved, contact the Police.