Please take a moment to read the information below.
Once you have reviewed the information, please follow the link to our report form at the bottom of this page.
If you believe you are, or suspect another person is, in immediate danger call 999 for emergency services.
All calls concerning worries about the abuse or neglect of children or adults will be treated seriously.
Do not ignore abuse or neglect. Do not keep it secret or delay reporting it. You should take action even if you are not 100% sure that abuse is taking place.
For urgent requests outside of opening times, please contact the Emergency Duty Team:
- Adults: 01942 828777
- Children: 01942 828300
Referrals submitted over the weekend may not be picked up until Monday. Please remember that we are not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, you must contact the emergency services.
Wigan Council uses the Care Act 2014 eligibility criteria for adults with care and support needs. For more information, please visit Safeguarding duties under the Care Act.
Requests outside of hours
The online form is accessible at all times. However, please note that our Community Adult Front Door is open from 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. Online enquiries will be processed during these opening times.
If you are experiencing difficulties reporting, or if you are a member of the public, you can report your concern by telephone using the numbers above.
Understanding abuse
Abuse can range from treating someone disrespectfully in a way that significantly affects their quality of life, to causing actual physical suffering.
It can occur anywhere, but is most likely to happen in the person’s own home, in care homes, daycare centres, or hospitals.
Visit the Wigan Safeguarding types of abuse page (external link) to explore the different forms of abuse and how to spot the signs.
What happens when you report abuse?
A social care representative or health professional will speak to the person and, if abuse is confirmed, will plan how to protect them.
If enquiries are needed, the person and their carers will be supported throughout. Other relevant individuals may also be contacted.
Who is an adult at risk?
An adult at risk is someone aged 18 or over who may be unable to care for themselves or protect themselves from harm or abuse. This may be due to age, mental health conditions, or physical or learning disabilities.
Adult Social Care has a legal duty to make safeguarding enquiries for individuals who:
- Have care and support needs (regardless of whether the Local Authority is meeting those needs)
- Are experiencing, or are at risk of, abuse or neglect
- Are unable to protect themselves due to those care and support needs.
We also need to understand the person’s care and support needs under the Care Act 2014.
These needs may arise from a physical or mental impairment or illness. As a result, the person may be unable to achieve two or more of the following outcomes:
- Managing and maintaining nutrition
- Maintaining personal hygiene
- Managing toilet needs
- Being appropriately clothed
- Using their home safely
- Maintaining a habitable home environment
- Developing and maintaining personal relationships
- Accessing work, training, education, or volunteering
- Using necessary community services (e.g. public transport, recreational facilities)
- Carrying out caring responsibilities for a child.
They may be at risk of abuse from people they know, such as relatives, friends, neighbours, or paid carers. Abuse can also be perpetrated by strangers.
For further information and guidance, please visit Wigan Safeguarding Adults (external link).
Please use our report concerns of abuse or neglect form if you do need to raise a concern with us.