In care work, you get to know the people you support. That means you’re often the first to notice when something’s not quite right. Sadly, abuse and neglect can happen, even within a care setting. Knowing the signs and how to speak up can help protect the people in your care.
What counts as abuse?
Abuse isn’t always physical. It can also be:
- Emotional – like bullying, shouting or ignoring someone
- Financial – stealing, pressuring someone to give money, or misusing their funds
- Neglect – not meeting basic needs like food, hygiene, or medication
- Sexual – any unwanted touching or behaviour
- Organisational – when care is poor across a service or home
Signs to look out for:
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Sudden changes in mood or behaviour (like anxiety, depression, or confusion)
- Poor hygiene or malnutrition
- Missing money or valuables
- Avoiding eye contact or seeming scared of family or carers
If you think someone is being abused, it’s really important to act quickly.
What to do:
- Speak up – tell your manager or safeguarding lead straight away
- Write down what you’ve seen or heard, with dates and details
- Don’t investigate or confront anyone yourself – your job is to report, not solve
- Follow your workplace’s safeguarding policies – every care setting has rules to keep people safe
Remember: reporting concerns is a way of caring. It can protect someone from harm and get them the support they need. If you’re unsure, ask your manager or safeguarding officer for guidance.
