How to report abuse of a vulnerable adult

If you think a vulnerable adult is being abused or is at risk, you can report it to us.

Adult Social Care has a duty to look into any concerns about a vulnerable adult being mistreated. If you’re worried that a vulnerable adult is being harmed or taken advantage of, it’s always right to speak up. You do not need to be completely sure or have all the details.

If it feels safe to do so, try to talk to the person you're concerned about before reporting it. This helps make sure they’re included in any decisions about their own care and support.

Identifying vulnerable adults

A vulnerable adult is someone aged 18 or over who has care and support needs and may be unable to protect themselves from harm or abuse.

Vulnerable adults include people who:

  • are older and frail
  • have a physical or learning disability
  • have a sensory impairment such as sight or hearing loss
  • live with a mental health condition
  • have a long-term illness
  • misuse drugs or alcohol
  • have difficulty making decisions for themselves

Vulnerability is not just about health or disability. It’s about whether someone is more at risk of being mistreated or taken advantage of.

How to report abuse

You can report abuse in the following ways:

Call us  

Call any time on 0114 273 4908.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Write to us

Adult Safeguarding 
Howden House 
1 Union Street 
Sheffield S1 2SH

If you're a professional

If you're a professional with a concern about someone you're supporting, you can speak to a safeguarding worker or make a formal referral.

Advice for professionals

What we need to know

When you contact us, we’ll ask a few questions to help us understand what’s happening and how best to help. You do not need to have every detail, just share what you know.

The more information you can give, the quicker we can make sure the person is safe and supported. The following details are most helpful:

  • the person’s name
  • their address
  • their date of birth
  • any other information that could help us identify them
  • details of their family
  • details of the person you suspect of mistreating them

What happens next

We’ll check the person is safe and decide what action to take.

If needed, we’ll make a safeguarding plan with them. This helps stop the harm from happening again.

We won’t take action without their consent unless others are at risk too.

If you're worried about a child

If the person you’re concerned about is under 18, please report it through the Children’s Safeguarding Team.

Report child abuse 

What to do in an emergency

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call the Police on 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when you are prompted. 

What is abuse

Find out more about different types of abuse and how to spot them.

Learn about types of abuse