Safeguarding Policy
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Everyone has a right to be treated with respect and dignity. Everyone deserves to be safe.
Policy statement
Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and accepts responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all adults involved in Pilates and Menopause Fitness Classes & Wellbeing in accordance with the Care Act 2014.
Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing safeguarding adults policy and procedures, apply to all individuals involved in Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing.
Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing will encourage and support partner organisations, to adopt and demonstrate their commitment to the principles and practice of equality as set out in this safeguarding adults policy and procedures.
Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing believe that everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status.
Scope
This Safeguarding Policy applies to all users and clients of Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing.
Principles
The guidance given in the policy and procedures is based on the following principles:
All adults, regardless of age, ability or disability, gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status have the right to be protected from abuse and poor practice and to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment.
· Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing will seek to ensure that our Pilates and Menopause Fitness Classes are inclusive and make reasonable adjustments for any ability, disability or impairment. We will also commit to continuous development, monitoring and review.
· The rights, dignity and worth of all adults will always be respected.
· We recognise that ability and disability can change over time, such that some adults may be additionally vulnerable to abuse, in particular those adults with care and support needs.
· We all have a shared responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all adults and will act appropriately and report concerns whether these concerns arise within Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing environments, for example inappropriate behaviour of an instructor, or in the wider community.
· All allegations will be taken seriously and responded to quickly in line with Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures.
· Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing recognises the role and responsibilities of the statutory agencies in safeguarding adults and is committed to complying with the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Adults Boards.
The six principles of adult safeguarding
The Care Act 2014 sets out the following principles that should underpin safeguarding of adults:
· Empowerment– People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent.
“I am asked what I want as the outcomes from the safeguarding process and these directly inform what happens.”
· Prevention– It is better to take action before harm occurs.
“I receive clear and simple information about what abuse is, how to recognise the signs and what I can do to seek help.”
· Proportionality– The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
“I am sure that the professionals will work in my interest, as I see them and they will only get involved as much as needed.”
· Protection– Support and representation for those in greatest need.
“I get help and support to report abuse and neglect. I get help so that I am able to take part in the safeguarding process to the extent to which I want.”
· Partnership– Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse
“I know that staff treat any personal and sensitive information in confidence, only sharing what is helpful and necessary. I am confident that professionals will work together and with me to get the best result for me.”
· Accountability– Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.
“I understand the role of everyone involved in my life and so do they.”
Making Safeguarding personal
‘Making safeguarding personal’ means that adult safeguarding should be person led and outcome focussed. It engages the person in a conversation about how best to respond to their safeguarding situation in a way that enhances involvement, choice and control. As well as improving quality of life, wellbeing, and safety.
Wherever possible discuss safeguarding concerns with the adult to get their view of what they would like to happen and keep them involved in the safeguarding process, seeking their consent to share information outside of the organisation where necessary.
Wellbeing Principle
The concept of wellbeing is threaded throughout the Care Act, and it is one that is relevant to adult safeguarding in sport and activity. Wellbeing is different for each of us however the Act sets out broad categories that contribute to our sense of wellbeing. By keeping these themes in mind, we can all ensure that adult participants can take part in Pilates and Menopause Fitness classes fully.
· Personal dignity (including treatment of the individual with respect)
· Physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing
· Protection from abuse and neglect
· Control by the individual over their day-to-day life (including over care and support provided and the way they are provided)
· Participation in work, education, training or recreation
· Social and economic wellbeing
· Domestic, family and personal domains
· Suitability of the individual’s living accommodation
· The individual’s contribution to society.
Legislation
The practices and procedures within this policy are based on the principles contained within the UK legislation and Government Guidance and have been developed to complement the Safeguarding Adults Boards policy and procedures. They take the following into consideration:
· The Care Act 2014
· The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
· Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims (Amendment) Act 2012
· The Equality Act 2010
· The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
· Mental Capacity Act 2005
· Sexual Offences Act 2003
· The Human Rights Act 1998
· The Data Protection Act 1998
Definitions
To assist working through and understanding this policy a number of key definitions need to be explained:
Adult is anyone aged 18 or over.
Adult at Risk is a person aged 18 or over who:
· Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs);
and;
· Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect;
and;
· As a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect.
Adult in need of care and support is determined by a range of factors including personal characteristics, factors associated with their situation, or environment and social factors.
Naturally, a person’s disability or frailty does not mean that they will inevitably experience harm or abuse.
In the context of safeguarding adults, the likelihood of an adult in need of care and support experiencing harm or abuse should be determined by considering a range of social, environmental and clinical factors, not merely because they may be defined by one or more of the above descriptors.
In recent years there has been a marked shift away from using the term ‘vulnerable’ to describe adults potentially at risk from harm or abuse.
Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person or persons.
Adult safeguarding is protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
Capacity refers to the ability to make a decision at a particular time, for example when under considerable stress. The starting assumption must always be that a person has the capacity to make a decision unless it can be established that they lack capacity (MCA 2005). See Appendix 2 for guidance and information.
Types of Abuse and Neglect
There are different types and patterns of abuse and neglect, and different circumstances in which they may take place. The Care Act 2014 identifies the following as an illustrative
guide and is not intended to be exhaustive list as to the sort of behaviour which could give rise to a safeguarding concern:
Self-neglect – this covers a wide range of behaviour: neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding.
Modern Slavery – encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.
Domestic Abuse and coercive control – including psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse. It also includes so called ‘honour’ based violence. It can occur between any family members.
Discriminatory Abuse – discrimination is abuse which centres on a difference or perceived difference particularly with respect to race, gender or disability or any of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act.
Organisational Abuse – including neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one-off incidents to on-going ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation.
Physical Abuse – including hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate sanctions.
Sexual Abuse – including rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts, sexual assault, or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting.
Financial or Material Abuse – including theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection to wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.
Neglect – including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health social care or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse – this includes threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks.
Not included in the Care Act 2014 but also relevant:
Cyber Bullying – cyber bullying occurs when someone repeatedly makes fun of another person online, or repeatedly picks on another person through emails or text messages, or uses online forums with the intention of harming, damaging, humiliating or isolating another person. It can be used to carry out many different types of bullying (such as racist bullying, homophobic bullying, or bullying related to special educational needs and disabilities) but instead of the perpetrator carrying out the bullying face-to-face, they use technology as a means to do it.
Forced Marriage – forced marriage is a term used to describe a marriage in which one or both of the parties are married without their consent or against their will. A forced marriage differs from an arranged marriage, in which both parties consent to the assistance of a third party in identifying a spouse. The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 make it a criminal offence to force someone to marry. The forced marriage of adults with learning disabilities occurs when the adult does not have the capacity to consent to the marriage.
Mate Crime – a ‘mate crime’ as defined by the Safety Net Project as ‘when vulnerable people are befriended by members of the community who go on to exploit and take advantage of them. It may not be an illegal act but still has a negative effect on the individual.’ Mate Crime is carried out by someone the adult knows and often happens in private. In recent years there have been a number of Serious Case Reviews relating to people with a learning disability who were murdered or seriously harmed by people who purported to be their friend.
Radicalisation – the aim of radicalisation is to attract people to their reasoning, inspire new recruits and embed their extreme views and persuade vulnerable individuals of the legitimacy of their cause. This may be direct through a relationship, or through social media.
Signs and indicators of abuse and neglect
Abuse can take place in any context and by all manner of perpetrator. Abuse may be inflicted by anyone in the class who a participant comes into contact with. Or other Pilates Class members, may suspect that a participant is being abused or neglected outside of the Class setting. There are many signs and indicators that may suggest someone is being abused or neglected. These include but are not limited to:
· Unexplained bruises or injuries – or lack of medical attention when an injury is present.
· Person has belongings or money going missing.
· Person is not attending / no longer enjoying their sessions. You may notice that a participant in a class has been missing from their regular practice and is not responding to reminders from the Pilates teacher or other members.
· Someone losing or gaining weight / an unkempt appearance. This could be a participant whose appearance becomes unkempt, does not wear suitable clothing, and deterioration in hygiene.
· A change in the behaviour or confidence of a person. For example, a participant may be looking quiet and withdrawn when their husband comes to collect them from sessions, in contrast to their friend whom they greet with a smile.
· They may self-harm.
· They may have a fear of a particular group or individual.
· They may tell you / another person they are being abused – i.e. a disclosure.
· Harassing of a group member because they are or are perceived to have protected characteristics.
· Not meeting the needs of the participant. e.g. this could be training without a necessary break.
· An instructor intentionally striking a participant.
· This could be a fellow participant who sends unwanted sexually explicit text messages to an adult they are exercising alongside.
· This could be a participant threatening another member with physical harm and persistently blaming them for poor performance.
What to do if you have a concern, or if someone raises concerns with you.
· It is not your responsibility to decide whether or not an adult has been abused. It is, however, everyone’s responsibility to respond to and report concerns.
· If you are concerned someone is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999 straight away. Where you suspect that a crime is being committed, you must involve the police.
· If you have concerns and or you are told about possible or alleged abuse, poor practice, or wider welfare issues you must report this to Michelle Oliver of Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing as the Lead Safeguarding/Welfare Officer. Or, if the Lead Safeguarding/Welfare Officer is implicated, then report to the Local Authorities.
· When raising your concern with the Welfare Officer/Lead Safeguarding Officer, remember Making Safeguarding Personal. It is good practice to seek the adult’s views on what they would like to happen next and to inform the adult you will be passing on your concern.
· It is important when considering your concern that you keep the person informed about any decisions and action taken, and always consider their needs and wishes.
How to respond to a concern
· Make a note of your concerns.
· Make a note of what the person has said using his or her own words as soon as practicable. Complete an Incident Form and submit to Michelle Oliver of Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing as the Lead Safeguarding/Welfare Officer.
· Remember to make safeguarding personal. Discuss your safeguarding concerns with the adult, obtain their view of what they would like to happen, but inform them it’s your duty to pass on your concerns to your lead safeguarding or welfare officer.
· Describe the circumstances in which the disclosure came about.
· Take care to distinguish between fact, observation, allegation and opinion. It is important that the information you have is accurate.
· Be mindful of the need to be confidential at all times. This information must only be shared with your Lead Safeguarding/Welfare Officer – Michelle Oliver and others on a need-to-know basis.
· If the matter is urgent and relates to the immediate safety of an adult at risk then contact the emergency services immediately.
· Call ambulance
· Tell the doctor that there may be a safeguarding issue
· Call the police
If the matter is not urgent inform Michelle Oliver
Make notes and complete an Incident Report Form, submit to Michelle Oliver who will investigate the issues raised and according to Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing Safeguarding Policies will adhere to the following course of action:
– Possible referral to Police/Adult Social Care/ Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub/ Local Safeguarding Adults Board.
Possible outcomes:
· Criminal proceedings
· Police enquiry
· Adult Care Safeguarding Assessment
· Disciplinary Measures
· Case management group to decide on the management of any remaining concerns.
· No further action
Good practice, poor practice and abuse Introduction
It can be difficult to distinguish poor practice from abuse, whether intentional or accidental. It is not the responsibility of any individual involved in Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing to make judgements regarding whether or not abuse is taking place. However, all participating members of Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing classes have the responsibility to recognise and identify poor practice and potential abuse, and act on this if they have concerns.
Good practice
Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing expects that teachers of adult class participants:
· Adopt and endorse the Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing Codes of Conduct.
· Have completed a course in First Aid in the Workplace.
Everyone should:
· Aim to make the experience of Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing fun and enjoyable.
· Promote fairness and adhere to the Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing Client Agreement Policy.
· Not tolerate the use of prohibited or illegal substances.
· Treat all adults equally and preserve their dignity. This includes giving more and less talented members of a group similar attention, time and respect.
An Incident Report Form can be obtained from Michelle Oliver of Michelle’s Fitness & Wellbeing.
Guidance and information
Making Safeguarding Personal
There has been a cultural shift towards Making Safeguarding Personal within the safeguarding process. This is a move from prioritising outcomes demanded by bureaucratic systems. The safeguarding process used to involve gathering a detailed account of what happened and determining who did what to whom. Now the outcomes are defined by the person at the centre of the safeguarding process.
The safeguarding process places a stronger emphasis on achieving satisfactory outcomes that take into account the individual choices and requirements of everyone involved.
“What good is it making someone safer if it merely makes them miserable?” – Lord Justice Mundy, “What Price Dignity?” (2010)
What this means in practice is that adults should be more involved in the safeguarding process. Their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs must be taken into account when decisions are made.
The Care Act 2014 builds on the concept stating that “We all have different preferences, histories, circumstances and lifestyles so it is unhelpful to prescribe a process that must be followed whenever a concern is raised.”
However, the Act is also clear that there are key issues that should be taken into account when abuse or neglect are suspected, and that there should be clear guidelines regarding this.
Capacity – Guidance on Making Decisions
The issue of capacity or decision making is a key one in safeguarding adults. It is useful for organisations to have an overview of the concept of capacity.
We make many decisions every day, often without realising. We make so many decisions that it’s easy to take this ability for granted.
But some people are only able to make some decisions, and a small number of people cannot make any decisions. Being unable to make a decision is called “lacking capacity”.
To make a decision we need to:
· Understand information
· Remember it for long enough
· Think about the information
· Communicate our decision
A person’s ability to do this may be affected by things like learning disability, dementia, mental health needs, acquired brain injury, and physical ill health.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) states that every individual has the right to make their own decisions and provides the framework for this to happen.
The MCA is about making sure that people over the age of 16 have the support they need to make as many decisions as possible.
The MCA also protects people who need family, friends, or paid support staff to make decisions for them because they lack capacity to make specific decisions.
Our ability to make decisions can change over the course of a day.
Here are some examples that demonstrate how the timing of a question can affect the response:
· A person with epilepsy may not be able to make a decision following a seizure.
· Someone who is anxious may not be able to make a decision at that point.
· A person may not be able to respond as quickly if they have just taken some medication that causes fatigue.
In each of these examples, it may appear as though the person cannot make a decision. But later in the day, presented with the same decision, they may be able to at least be involved. The MCA recognises that capacity is decision-specific, so no one will be labelled as entirely lacking capacity. The MCA also recognises that decisions can be about big life-changing events, such as where to live, but equally about small events, such as what to wear on a cold day.
To help you to understand the MCA, consider the following five points:
1. Assume that people are able to make decisions, unless it is shown that they are not. If you have concerns about a person’s level of understanding, you should check this with them, and if applicable, with the people supporting them.
2. Give people as much support as they need to make decisions. You may be involved in this – you might need to think about the way you communicate or provide information, and you may be asked your opinion.
3. People have the right to make unwise decisions. The important thing is that they understand the implications. If they understand the implications, consider how risks might be minimised.
4. If someone is not able to make a decision, then the person helping them must only make decisions in their “best interests”. This means that the decision must be what is best for the person, not for anyone else. If someone was making a decision on your behalf, you would want it to reflect the decision you would make if you were able to.
5. Find the least restrictive way of doing what needs to be done.
Remember:
· You should not discriminate or make assumptions about someone’s ability to make decisions, and you should not pre-empt a best-interests decision merely on the basis of a person’s age, appearance, condition, or behaviour.
· When it comes to decision-making, you could be involved in a minor way, or asked to provide more detail. The way you provide information might influence a person’s ultimate decision. A person may be receiving support that is not in-line with the MCA, so you must be prepared to address this.
Consent and Information Sharing
Workers and volunteers within sports and physical activity organisations should always share safeguarding concerns in line with their organisation’s policy, usually with their safeguarding lead or welfare officer in the first instance, except in emergency situations. As long as it does not increase the risk to the individual, the worker or volunteer should explain to them that it is their duty to share their concern with their safeguarding lead or welfare officer.
The safeguarding lead/welfare officer will then consider the situation and plan the actions that need to be taken, in conjunction with the adult at risk and in line with the organisation’s policy and procedures and local safeguarding adults board policy and procedures.
To make an adult safeguarding referral you need to call the local safeguarding adults team. This may be part of a MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub). A conversation can be had with the safeguarding adults team without disclosing the identity of the person in the first instance. If it is thought that a referral needs to be made to the safeguarding adults team, consent should be sought where possible from the adult at risk.
Individuals may not give their consent to the sharing of safeguarding information with the safeguarding adult’s team for a number of reasons. Reassurance, appropriate support and revisiting the issues at another time may help to change their view on whether it is best to share information.
If they still do not consent, then their wishes should usually be respected. However, there are circumstances where information can be shared without consent such as when the adult does not have the capacity to consent, it is in the public interest because it may affect other people, or a serious crime has been committed. This should always be discussed with your safeguarding lead and the local authority safeguarding adults team.
If someone does not want you to share information outside of the organisation or you do not have consent to share the information, ask yourself the following questions:
· Is the adult placing themselves at further risk of harm?
· Is someone else likely to get hurt?
· Has a criminal offence occurred? This includes: theft or burglary of items, physical abuse, sexual abuse, forced to give extra money for lessons (financial abuse) or harassment.
· Is there suspicion that a crime has occurred?
If the answer to any of the questions above is ‘yes’ – then you can share without consent and need to share the information.
When sharing information there are seven Golden Rules that should always be followed.
1. Seek advice if in any doubt.
2. Be transparent – The Data Protection Act (DPA) is not a barrier to sharing information but to ensure that personal information is shared appropriately; except in circumstances whereby doing so places the person at significant risk of harm.
3. Consider the public interest – Base all decisions to share information on the safety and well-being of that person or others that may be affected by their actions.
4. Share with consent where appropriate – Where possible, respond to the wishes of those who do not consent to share confidential information. You may still share information without consent, if this is in the public interest.
5. Keep a record – Record your decision and reasons to share or not share information.
6. Accurate, necessary, proportionate, relevant and secure – Ensure all information shared is accurate, up-to-date and necessary, and share with only those who need to have it.
7. Remember the purpose of the Data Protection Act (DPA) is to ensure personal information is shared appropriately, except in circumstances whereby doing so may place the person or others at significant harm.
Legislation and Government Initiatives that should be read in conjunction with this policy
Sexual Offences Act 2003http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/contents
The Sexual Offences Act introduced a number of new offences concerning vulnerable adults and children. www.opsi.gov.uk
Mental Capacity Act 2005http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/introduction
Its general principle is that everybody has capacity unless it is proved otherwise, that they should be supported to make their own decisions, that anything done for or on behalf of people without capacity must be in their best interests and there should be least restrictive intervention. www.dca.gov.uk
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/47/contents
Introduced the new Vetting and Barring Scheme and the role of the Independent Safeguarding Authority. The Act places a statutory duty on all those working with vulnerable groups to register and undergo an advanced vetting process with criminal sanctions for non-compliance. www.opsi.gov.uk
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguardshttps://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dh-mental-capacity-act-2005-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards
Introduced into the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and came into force in April 2009. Designed to provide appropriate safeguards for vulnerable people who have a mental disorder and lack the capacity to consent to the arrangements made for their care or treatment, and who may be deprived of their liberty in their best interests in order to protect them from harm.
Disclosure & Barring Service 2013https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service/about
Criminal record checks: guidance for employers – How employers or organisations can request criminal records checks on potential employees from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service
The Care Act 2014 – statutory guidancehttp://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/introduction/enacted
The Care Act introduces new responsibilities for local authorities. It also has major implications for adult care and support providers, people who use services, carers and advocates. It replaces No Secrets and puts adult safeguarding on a statutory footing.
Making Safeguarding Personal Guide 2014
This guide is intended to support councils and their partners to develop outcomes-focused, person-centred safeguarding practice.
Sources of information and support:
Safeguarding Adults Team, Safeguarding Adults Board and Active Partnership.
Your Voice Cornwall CIC
Supporting Women's Mental Health across Cornwall & helping to prevent suicide in women 18+
Email: yourvoicecornwall@outlook.com
www,yourvoicecornwall.org.uk
Action on Elder Abuse
A national organisation based in London. It aims to prevent the abuse of older people by raising awareness, encouraging education, promoting research and collecting and disseminating information.
Tel: 020 8765 7000
Email: enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk
www.elderabuse.org.uk
Ann Craft Trust
A national organisation providing information and advice about adult safeguarding. The Ann Craft Trust has a specialist Safeguarding Adults in Sport and Activity team to support the sector.
Tel: 0115 951 5400
Email: Ann-Craft-Trust@nottingham.ac.uk
Men’s Advice Line
For male domestic abuse survivors
Tel: 0808 801 0327
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
Tel: 0800 999 5428
National 24Hour Freephone Domestic Abuse Helplines
England
Northern Ireland
Tel: 0808 2000 247
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us
Tel: 0808 802 1414
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dsahelpline
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dsahelpline
Scotland
Tel: 0800 027 1234
Email: helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
Web chat: sdafmh.org.uk
Wales
Llinell Gymorth Byw HebOfn/ Live free from fear helpline
Tel: 0808 8010 800
Type Talk: 18001 0808 801 0800
Text: 078600 77 333
Rape Crisis Federation of England and Wales
Rape Crisis was launched in 1996 and exists to provide a range of facilities and resources to enable the continuance and development of Rape Crisis Groups throughout Wales and England.
Email: info@rapecrisis.co.uk
www.rapecrisis.co.uk
Respond
Respond provides a range of services to victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse who have learning disabilities, and training and support to those working with them.
Tel: 020 7383 0700 or
0808 808 0700 (Helpline)
Email: services@respond.org.uk
www.respond.org.uk
Stop Hate Crime
Works to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. Stop Hate UK provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.
24 hours service:
Telephone: 0800 138 1625
Web Chat: www.stophateuk.org/talk-to-us/
E mail: talk@stophateuk.org
Text: 07717 989 025
Text relay: 18001 0800 138 1625
By post: PO Box 851, Leeds LS1 9QS
Susy Lamplugh Trust
The Trust is a leading authority on personal safety. Its role is to minimise the damage caused to individuals and to society by aggression in all its forms – physical, verbal and psychological.
Tel: 020 83921839
Fax: 020 8392 1830
Email: info@suzylamplugh.org
www.suzylamplugh.org
Victim Support
Provides practical advice and help, emotional support and reassurance to those who have suffered the effects of a crime.
Tel: 0808 168 9111
Women’s Aid Federation of England and Wales
Women’s Aid is a national domestic violence charity. It also runs a domestic violence online help service.
www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support
Everyone has a right to be treated with respect and dignity. Everyone deserves to be safe.