What is safeguarding?
Put simply, safeguarding means looking out for people. Everybody has the right to be safe no matter who they are or what their circumstances.
Safeguarding is something we ask every one of our colleagues to do to help keep children and adults safe from neglect and abuse.
We also have a Safeguarding Manager, who helps our staff to keep you safe.
What to look out for?
Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility, not just professionals like housing officers, social workers or police officers.
You may see or hear something that worries you or suggests that someone isn’t safe.
This could be a young child left on their own, a person who has others coming into their home against their will, or signs of someone being hurt by a partner or family member.
Remember that not everyone will recognise that they are in the situation where they are being harmed or abused.
Others may feel alone, afraid, and unable to ask for the help they may need.
What can you do?
We all have the opportunity to protect others who may be in need of help. Just think how much of a difference you could be making to someone’s life.
If you see signs of neglect or abuse, please report it immediately. This will enable others to work with that person to help them feel safer.
You can also tell us if you’re worried about your own situation. If you speak to us, we always try to listen and respect your wishes. Sometimes, we might have to talk to other organisations, such as the local council, if we are worried about you. This is to make sure you are safe and get the help you need.
Trust your instincts. Telling someone you’re concerned is always the right thing to do.
There are no consequences for reporting your worries if no safeguarding issue is found. There’s also no need to give your name when you make others aware.
How do you report it?
If it’s an emergency or someone needs urgent medical attention, call 999.
If it’s not an emergency and you think a crime has been committed, call 101 to speak with the police.
You can anonymously report your concerns to the social care department of your local council.
You can report your concerns to Sanctuary by:
- Speaking to a member of staff where you live
- Phoning your local team
More information and support
There are specialist organisations that can offer advice and support on safeguarding different people.
- Keeping children safe – NSPCC
- Keeping older people safe – Hourglass and Age UK
- Female victims of domestic abuse – Women’s Aid
- Male victims of domestic abuse – ManKind
- Abuse and violence against LGBTQ+ people – Galop
- Keeping people with learning disabilities safe – Mencap
- Human trafficking – Stop the Traffik
- Anonymously report a crime - Crimestoppers
