Safeguarding adults at risk of harm or in need of protection

Everyone has a fundamental right to be safe. Whatever the cause, or wherever it occurs, harm caused to adults by abuse, exploitation or neglect is not acceptable. Safeguarding is ‘everyone’s business’ and that as a good citizen we should all strive to prevent harm to adults from abuse, exploitation and neglect.

Adults in need of protection

An ‘adult in need of protection’ is defined as a person aged 18 or over, whose exposure to harm through abuse, exploitation or neglect may be increased by their: Personal Circumstances and/or life circumstances, and, who is unable to protect their own well-being, property, assets, rights or other interests; and, where the action or inaction of another person or persons is causing, or is likely to cause him/her to be harmed.

What to do if you identify an adult in need of protection?

If you suspect someone to be at risk of harm or abuse contact the Northern Trust Adult Protection Safeguarding Team by phone or email.

Outside of normal working hours, contact the Emergency Social Work Service.

If someone is in immediate danger or has been harmed you should call 999.

The Northern Trust has a responsibility, together with other agencies, to investigate and keep the person safe. To make sure adults at risk of harm or in need of protection are supported to access the criminal justice system the Northern Trust works in partnership with the other health Trusts, Health and Social Care Board, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Department of Health and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).

Further information

Elder Abuse
Standards and guidance for good practice


Related Services

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