At Bron Afon, safeguarding means ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are protected from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This involves working together with different agencies to tackle these issues.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding is about protecting those at risk—whether children or vulnerable adults—from harm. Everyone at Bron Afon has a responsibility to identify concerns, share information, and act quickly when needed. Housing providers, like us, have a duty to cooperate with local authorities in safeguarding efforts.
You can read more here.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If someone is in immediate danger or a crime has occurred, call the police on 999.
Otherwise, you can contact the local safeguarding teams:
•Torfaen Safeguarding Team: 01495 762200 | socialcarecalltorfaen@torfaen.gov.uk
•After hours or on weekends: South East Wales Emergency Duty Team – 0800 328 4432
•Or contact our Customer Hub on 01633 620 111 to raise a concern.
What Happens Next?
When a safeguarding concern is raised, we investigate by checking records, speaking with colleagues, and collaborating with partner agencies to determine the best course of action.
Types of Abuse
Physical Abuse: This includes hitting, slapping, shaking, or restraining someone inappropriately. Look for unexplained injuries or fear of physical contact.
Sexual Abuse: This involves any sexual activity a child or adult has been coerced or forced into. Signs include unexplained medical issues like STIs or sudden changes in behaviour.
Emotional Abuse: Examples include bullying, being made to feel worthless, or witnessing abuse. Victims might show low self-esteem or struggle to control their emotions.
Neglect: Failing to meet basic needs like food, shelter, or medical care. Indicators include poor personal hygiene or untreated medical issues.
Financial Abuse: This involves the misuse of someone’s money or property. Look out for unpaid care costs or possessions going missing.
Safeguarding Adults at Risk
Adults at risk are vulnerable due to conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, or frailty. They may struggle to protect themselves from abuse or neglect.
Types of abuse in adults can include discrimination, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and even modern slavery.
Children at Risk
A child at risk refers to anyone under 18 years of age who is exposed to significant harm, neglect, or abuse. Safeguarding policies focus on ensuring children are protected from various forms of harm. Abuse can include:
•Physical abuse: When a child is intentionally harmed physically. This could involve hitting, burning, or other forms of physical violence.
•Sexual abuse: When a child is involved in sexual activities without their understanding or consent.
•Emotional abuse: This occurs when a child is subjected to behaviors that harm their emotional well-being, such as being shamed, blamed, or bullied.
•Neglect: Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic needs, such as food, shelter, and medical care.
Children at risk require immediate attention, and the safeguarding process ensures that protective steps are taken to prevent further harm. The policy ensures that housing authorities, like Bron Afon, cooperate with social services and other agencies to protect vulnerable children.