Skip to sub navigation Skip to main content
Show menu

Abuse & safeguarding

We are committed to protecting and supporting our most vulnerable residents within the Ashfield area. The term safeguarding is used to define actions taken to protect vulnerable groups from harm. This harm might come from adults or other children.

Safeguarding children

A Child is defined as anyone under the age of 18. Therefore, safeguarding children is about protection all those under 18 from harm.

Safeguarding a child involves

  • protect them from abuse, maltreatment and exploitation
  • prevent anything from harming their health or development
  • ensure they can grow up under safe and effective care
  • take action to ensure they have the best outcomes in life.

A child or young person safeguarding concern is when they are living in circumstances where there is a significant risk of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional or neglect).

It can also be where the young person themselves may pose a risk of serious harm to others or where there are complex needs in relation to disability.

If you know a child or young person at risk, please report your concerns to Nottinghamshire County Council Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

What do I do if I have a concern about a child?

If you have urgent concerns for a child, think they are at risk of abuse, or suspect that a child has been abused in any way, please telephone Nottinghamshire County Council Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) immediately:

  • telephone: 0300 500 80 80 (if you are a member of the public)
  • telephone: 0300 500 80 90 (if you are a professional).

If you require an urgent response outside of working hours (8:30am to 5pm) contact the Emergency Duty Team (EDT):

  • telephone: 0300 456 4546.

In an emergency call 999. To report a crime, call 101.

Safeguarding adults

A vulnerable adult is defined as a person who, for any reason, may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation. Safeguarding vulnerable adults involves reducing or preventing the risk of significant harm from neglect or abuse, while also supporting people to maintain control of their own lives.

Safeguarding a vulnerable adult involves:

  • ensuring they can live in safety, free from abuse and neglect
  • empowering them by encouraging them to make their own decisions and provide informed consent
  • prevent the risk of abuse or neglect, and stop it from occurring
  • promote their well-being and take their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs into account.

Abuse is mistreatment that violates a person’s human and civil rights.

The abuse can vary from treating someone with disrespect in a way which significantly affects the person’s quality of life, to causing actual physical suffering.

Abuse can be:

  • physical
  • sexual
  • domestic abuse
  • emotional
  • psychological
  • financial
  • neglectful
  • self-neglect
  • discriminatory
  • modern slavery
  • organisational abuse.

Abuse can happen anywhere, for example:

  • in a residential or care home
  • in a hospital
  • in the workplace
  • at a day centre
  • an educational establishment
  • in supported housing
  • in the street or in the person’s home.

What do I do if I have a concern about an adult?

If you are a member of the public and have concerns about an adult at risk, then you can call MASH as soon as possible to discuss your concerns. You can report abuse anonymously. 

  • telephone: 0300 500 80 80
  • telephone (out of hours): 0300 456 4546