Under the Care Act (2014), an adult at risk is someone over 18 years old who:

• has care and support needs
• is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
• as a result of their care and support needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it

If someone has care and support needs but is not currently receiving care or support from a health or care service, they may still be an adult at risk.

An adult at risk may therefore be a person who:

• is old and frail due to ill health, physical disability or cognitive impairment
• has a learning disability
• has a physical disability and/or a sensory impairment
• has mental health needs including dementia or a personality disorder
• has a long term illness/condition
• misuses substances or alcohol
• is a carer such as a family member/friend who provides personal assistance and care to adults and is subject to abuse
• is unable to demonstrate the capacity to make a decision and is in need of care and support

Although, anyone can be at risk of abuse or exploitation. 

Report your concern – Devon Local Authority boundaries

If an adult is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.

Members of the public

If you suspect that a vulnerable adult is being abused, or you are being abused yourself and live within Devon Local Authority boundaries, please contact us by:

• calling 0345 1551 007 (Monday to Thursday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm; Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm and Saturday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
• Outside of the hours above or on bank holidays call the Emergency Duty Service on 0345 6000 388 

Or you can email: 

• Northern
  Email: safeguardingadultsnorth-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
• Eastern
  Email: safeguardingadultseast-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
• Southern
  Email: safeguardingadultssouth-mailbox@devon.gov.uk

Professionals

If you are reporting a concern in a professional capacity, please complete the report a safeguarding concern form.

Download guidance on using the online form.

If the online form is not available, you can download a Word version of the report a safeguarding concern form and send it to the relevant Safeguarding Adult Hub email address listed below:

• For North Devon
  Email: safeguardingadultsnorth-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
• For East Devon
  Email: safeguardingadultseast-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
• For South Devon
  Email: safeguardingadultssouth-mailbox@devon.gov.uk

Domestic Violence

Sexual violence and domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone of any gender, sexuality, ethnicity or age. The impacts of living with violence and abuse can be devastating and its effects are far reaching, impacting on individuals, families and communities. You can visit our Safer Devon where you can find more information.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence there is help available. For independent and confidential advice call Devon’s domestic abuse helpline on 0345 155 1074 or visit our Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse website

Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership (TDSAP) 

Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership (TDSAP)  provides information on safeguarding adults at risk from abuse, and the work of the Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership. Their aim is to help everyone to understand the part they play in protecting adults and ensuring even the most vulnerable are kept safe and well. If you report a concern you will be listened to, supported and involved every step of the way.