Safeguarding
Safeguarding: What is it and who to contact?
What is Safeguarding?
‘Safeguarding’ is about protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect.
It involves working together to prevent harm from happening, and acting quickly when abuse has happened or is suspected.
Anyone can raise a safeguarding concern, so if you have one, please report it. Every report of abuse is taken seriously.
What constitutes abuse or neglect?
Abuse and neglect can take many forms. Sometimes it is not obvious that this is happening.
It may include: physical, sexual, financial, emotional, discriminatory abuse and neglect, including self-neglect.
You can find out more about the different types of neglect and abuse here.
Who is a vulnerable adult?
A vulnerable adult is someone who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect due to their care and support needs.
How can I report concerns?
Local Authorities have a statutory responsibility for safeguarding and working with partners to protect those experiencing, or at risk of harm.
You can raise concerns about adults or children in East Sussex with East Sussex County Council using the details below:
Children and teenagers (aged under 18 years)
Phone: 01323 464222 (Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm)
Email: webspoa@eastsussex.gov.uk
In an emergency contact the police on 999.
For serious safeguarding concerns that cannot wait until the next working day contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01273 335906 or 01273 335905 (Monday-Friday 5pm-8.30am, weekends and bank holidays).
Adults (aged 18 years and older)
Phone: 0345 60 80 191 (8am-8pm seven days a week)
Report a concern online via ESCC website
In an emergency contact the police on 999.
For serious safeguarding concerns that cannot wait until the next working day, call the Emergency Duty Team on 0345 60 80 191 and select option 2.
Further information
More information and resources on Safeguarding are available from:
East Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board
National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
