'How aware are you?' leaflet (PDF, 398KB)
Where Abuse Can Happen
For adults, this can happen where people are living, or, perhaps, where they go during the day. It may be noticed outside the home in a more public setting. Children or older persons may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting; by those known to them or more rarely by a stranger. They may be abused by an adult or adults or by another child or children.
The Main Signs of Abuse
There are many indications that something could be wrong.
This could include:
- Unexplained injuries such as bruising
- Weight loss
- Very low self esteem
- A sudden change in behaviour
Different Types of Abuse
Abuse can vary for adults and children, and may include:
- Physical abuse
Hitting, burning, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child or adult.
- Sexual abuse
Forcing or enticing someone to take part in sexual activities. This may also include non contact activities such as looking at pornography and social networking sites.
- Neglect
Persistent failure to meet someone’s (particularly children’s or older persons) basic physical and / or psychological needs, such as failure to provide adequate food, clothing and shelter.
- Emotional abuse
Persistent emotional maltreatment such as witnessing domestic abuse.
Who To Contact
If you have any doubts or concerns about the way someone is being treated, don't keep it to yourself. Call Lincolnshire County Council's Customer Service Centre on 01522 782155 (out of hours, please call 01522 782333). They will offer advice and pass your concerns on to trained officers who will take the relevant action.
If you would like to find out more about safeguarding children and young people, please visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/LSCB or call 01522 782111.
For information on safeguarding adults, please visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/safeguardingadults or call 01522 782155.
View how to Contact Us.
