Safeguarding adults from abuse - Easy Read

Girl holding book with the words easy read on the cover.

This leaflet is an Easy Read version of:

Adult Abuse is Everyone's Business

A red stop sign with white text that says 'stop abuse'.

West Berkshire Council has written this leaflet for adults aged 18 or over. It explains what adult abuse is and what you can do if you think you are being abused.

It will help you decide how to keep safe, whoever you are.

A person standing next to an old person in a wheelchair with an image of the Care Act.

The Care Act 2014 tells us that everyone has a right to live their life free from abuse or harm. This is your right no matter what your age, race, disability or health may be.

What is abuse 1:

Abuse is where someone says or does something to you that hurts you or makes you feel upset, scared or angry. Abuse is wrong. It is important to stop abuse when it happens. This leaflet tells you what to do if you think you are being abused.

A group of people standing together with one person in the middle. One of the people is calling the person in the middle a nasty name.

What is abuse 2:

Abuse can happen anywhere, at anytime, and by anybody. There are lots of examples of abuse. Some examples of abuse are given below.

A person turning their back on another person.

Neglect

When someone doesn't support or care for you properly. For example, they don't give you your medication when they should or they don't help you bath, get dressed or give you your meals when they should.

Financial abuse:

When someone takes your money or the things you own without asking your permission. It can also be when you are persuaded to give money to someone when you don't want to.

Physical abuse:

When someone hurts you. For example, they might kick you, slap you or punch you.

A person in a blue shirt with his arms raised

Discrimination:

When someone treats you unfairly because you are different to them. For example, you may be a different colour or a different religion to them.

Sexual abuse:

When someone touches you where you do not want to be touched (on your private parts) or you are made to touch other people on their private parts.

Undressing or having sex when you don't want to or being made to watch other people doing sexual acts when you don't want to.

A person pointing and laughing at another person.

Emotional abuse:

When someone upsets you by calling you names, laughing at you, telling you off or not letting you have things that you need. That person might be a carer or people you think are your friends.