Safeguarding

Safeguarding: For Professionals

We are committed to multi-agency working to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in our care. If you're a professional and would like to raise a safeguarding concern or collaborate with our Safeguarding Lead, please complete the Safeguarding Contact Form below. We will be in touch promptly to discuss the next steps.

Domestic Abuse and Child to Parent Abuse

At ADHD360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We know that domestic abuse can feel frightening, overwhelming, or isolating, and we want you to know that you are not alone and support is available.

What Is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is any behaviour by a partner, ex-partner, or family member that harms, frightens, or controls you. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or financial, and it is serious even if it happens just once.

It can include:

• Physical abuse: being hit, slapped, punched, kicked, burnt, or strangled.
• Sexual abuse: being forced, threatened, or intimidated into sexual activity.
• Controlling or coercive behaviours: restricting your contact with friends or family, monitoring your movements, or threatening to harm you, your children, or pets.
• Emotional or psychological abuse: intimidation, manipulation, humiliation, or degrading treatment.
• Financial abuse: controlling your money, preventing you from working, or exploiting your finances.

Any act that harms, frightens, or controls you is abuse, even a single incident is serious and deserves support.

Signs You May Be Experiencing Domestic Abuse

• Feeling unsafe, anxious, or fearful in your own home
• Being physically harmed or threatened
• Experiencing sexual coercion or assault
• Feeling controlled, manipulated, or isolated from friends and family
• Having your finances or independence restricted

What You Can Do:

If you are a patient at ADHD360:

• Reach out to the expert services highlighted in the table below for guidance and support.
• Contact your local clinician, GP, or another trusted professional for advice.
• Report abuse to the police or your local authority if you are at risk.
• Talk to a friend, family member, or support network you trust.
• Keep a record of incidents if it is safe to do so, including dates, times, and details.
• Contact national helplines for confidential advice and connection to local services that understand your unique needs.

Taking the first step to address domestic abuse can feel overwhelming, but support is available to help you through this.

If you're one of our patients and need help, you don’t need to face this on your own - trained professionals are ready to support you through every step.

Support Services:

Domestic Abuse and Child to Parent Abuse

At ADHD360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We know that domestic abuse can feel frightening, overwhelming, or isolating, and we want you to know that you are not alone and support is available.

What Is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is any behaviour by a partner, ex-partner, or family member that harms, frightens, or controls you. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or financial, and it is serious even if it happens just once.

It can include:

• Physical abuse: being hit, slapped, punched, kicked, burnt, or strangled.
• Sexual abuse: being forced, threatened, or intimidated into sexual activity.
• Controlling or coercive behaviours: restricting your contact with friends or family, monitoring your movements, or threatening to harm you, your children, or pets.
• Emotional or psychological abuse: intimidation, manipulation, humiliation, or degrading treatment.
• Financial abuse: controlling your money, preventing you from working, or exploiting your finances.

Any act that harms, frightens, or controls you is abuse, even a single incident is serious and deserves support.

Signs You May Be Experiencing Domestic Abuse

• Feeling unsafe, anxious, or fearful in your own home
• Being physically harmed or threatened
• Experiencing sexual coercion or assault
• Feeling controlled, manipulated, or isolated from friends and family
• Having your finances or independence restricted

What You Can Do:

• Reach out to the expert services highlighted in the table below for guidance and support.
• Contact your local clinician, GP, or another trusted professional for advice.
• Report abuse to the police or your local authority if you are at risk.
• Talk to a friend, family member, or support network you trust.
• Keep a record of incidents if it is safe to do so, including dates, times, and details. Taking the first step to address domestic abuse can feel overwhelming, but support is available to help you through this.
• Contact national helplines for confidential advice and connection to local services that understand your unique needs.

Your safety and well-being are important. Please reach out for the help you deserve.

National Helplines

Child to Parent Abuse

At ADHD360, we recognise that domestic abuse can take many forms, including child-to-parent abuse (CPA). This occurs when a child or young person engages in repeated abusive behaviours towards a parent or caregiver, intending to control, intimidate, or cause fear. These behaviours can include physical violence, verbal aggression, coercive control, and emotional abuse.

If you are experiencing this, it is important to know that you are not alone, and support is available.

Signs of Child-to-Parent Abuse

CPA may include:

• Physical aggression: Hitting, slapping, kicking, pushing, or other actions intended to hurt you.
• Verbal aggression: Repeated shouting, insulting, mocking, blaming, or threatening you in a way that causes fear or distress.
• Coercive or controlling behaviours: Threats to harm themselves, you, other family members, or pets; threats to report you to authorities unless demands are met; forcing compliance through fear.
• Property damage and intimidation: Destroying possessions, punching walls, or using anger, size, or gestures to intimidate.
• Manipulation and exploitation: Lying, deceit, or emotional manipulation to control you or undermine your authority as a parent.
• Isolation tactics: Restricting contact with friends or family, monitoring communications, or controlling movements in a way that instils fear.
• Sexualised behaviour: Using threats, force, or intimidation to coerce sexual acts.

These behaviours are repeated, targeted, and intended to control or harm the parent, which distinguishes them from normal adolescent behaviour or occasional disrespect.

What You Can Do:

Your safety and wellbeing are our priority. If you are experiencing child-to-parent abuse:

1. Inform your clinician: Speak openly with your ADHD360 clinician about what is happening.
2. Contact your local authority: They can provide additional safeguarding and support for you and your family.
3. Access external support: Consider contacting relevant charities as highlighted below, the NSPCC, or the police if needed.

We are here to listen, provide guidance, and help you access the right support to keep you and your family safe.

National Helplines

Child to Parent Abuse

At ADHD360, we recognise that domestic abuse can take many forms, including child-to-parent abuse (CPA). Even if you are not currently a patient, it is important to understand what CPA is and where to get help.

What Is Child-to-Parent Abuse?

Child-to-parent abuse occurs when a child or young person repeatedly engages in harmful behaviours towards a parent or caregiver, intending to control, intimidate, or cause fear. This can include:

• Physical aggression: hitting, slapping, pushing, throwing objects
• Verbal aggression: shouting, insulting, mocking, threatening
• Coercive or controlling behaviours: threats to harm themselves, you, or others; using fear to control your actions
• Property damage or intimidation
• Manipulation and exploitation
• Isolation tactics

These behaviours are repeated and targeted and are distinct from occasional disrespect or normal adolescent behaviour.

What You Can Do:

If you are experiencing CPA and are not a patient:

1. Contact your local authority – Your local council’s children’s services or adult social care can provide safeguarding support for you and your family.
2. Seek support from expert organisations – Charities such as: PEGS, NSPCC or Family Lives (as per the table below)
3. Involve other professionals if relevant – This could include your child’s school, social worker, or healthcare providers already involved.
4. Document the abuse – Keep a brief record of incidents, noting dates, behaviours, and impact. This can help professionals assess risk and provide support.

Remember:

You are not alone, and help is available. Child-to-parent abuse is serious, and support services can guide you through safeguarding measures and help protect your family.

National Helplines

Child Safeguarding Concern:

If you have concerns about a child’s safety, it’s important to act. You can make a safeguarding referral to the local Children’s Services or contact the NSPCC for guidance. For more support and clear instructions on how to make a referral, the NHS Safeguarding Guide provides helpful information and can direct you to the appropriate services. Don’t hesitate to reach out—your actions could help protect someone in need. https://safeguarding-guide.nhs.uk/

Child Safeguarding Concern:

If you have concerns about a child’s safety, it’s important to act. You can make a safeguarding referral to the local Children’s Services or contact the NSPCC for guidance. For more support and clear instructions on how to make a referral, the NHS Safeguarding Guide provides helpful information and can direct you to the appropriate services. Don’t hesitate to reach out—your actions could help protect someone in need. https://safeguarding-guide.nhs.uk/

If you're a professional raising a safeguarding concern, please follow the guidance under the "Professionals" section in the dropdown menu.

If the individual raising a concern is not a parent, guardian, or next of kin, we would encourage them to report their concern to the appropriate safeguarding authorities, such as local children’s services or the police, who have the ability to assess the situation and take appropriate action. For those unsure where to report, we suggest using resources like the NHS Safeguarding Guide to find the appropriate local services and support.

If you are unsure about what action to take, please reach out for guidance by contacting us on 01507 534 181 or refer to the NHS Safeguarding Guide for more detailed steps on making a referral.

Adult Safeguarding Concerns

At ADHD360, we are committed to protecting vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and support is available.

Examples of Adult Safeguarding Concerns

Adult safeguarding concerns arise when an adult is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect. This can include:

• Physical abuse – being hurt, assaulted, or physically harmed.
• Emotional or psychological abuse – threats, intimidation, controlling behaviour, or constant belittling.
• Sexual abuse – unwanted sexual activity, assault, or exploitation.
• Financial abuse – pressure to give money, theft, fraud, or being prevented from accessing finances.
• Neglect or self-neglect – not having basic needs met (food, medication, care, or safe living conditions).
• Domestic abuse – abuse by a partner, ex-partner, or family member, including coercive control.
• Discriminatory abuse – unfair treatment based on disability, race, religion, gender, age, or other characteristics.
• Modern slavery or exploitation – being forced to work, trafficked, or controlled for another person’s gain.

If You Are a Patient With Us

If you are a patient of ADHD360 and have a safeguarding concern about yourself or another adult:

• Immediate danger: Call 999 if you or someone else is at risk.
• Contact your local Adult Safeguarding Team through your council’s website – each area has a Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB).
• Inform your clinician – you can discuss your concern with them directly, and they can support you to make the right referrals.

We are not an investigatory body, but we can guide you and ensure your concern reaches the right place safely.

If You Are a Family Member, Carer, or Friend

If you raise a concern about a patient themselves:

• Report to the Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team if required, this is the most important action to ensure the adult's safety.
• The patient must be informed that a concern has been raised, in a safe and supportive way.
• The patient's clinician or safeguarding lead will review the concern. This may involve speaking with the patient and taking appropriate action.

Immediate risk: Call 999.

National Helplines & Support Services

Adult Safeguarding Concerns

At ADHD360, we are committed to protecting vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and support is available.

Examples of Adult Safeguarding Concerns

Adult safeguarding concerns may include:

• Physical abuse – being hurt, assaulted, or physically harmed.
• Emotional or psychological abuse – threats, intimidation, controlling behaviour, or constant belittling.
• Sexual abuse – unwanted sexual activity, assault, or exploitation.
• Financial abuse – pressure to give money, theft, fraud, or being prevented from accessing finances.
• Neglect or self-neglect – not having basic needs met (food, medication, care, or safe living conditions).
• Domestic abuse – abuse by a partner, ex-partner, or family member, including coercive control.
• Discriminatory abuse – unfair treatment based on disability, race, religion, gender, age, or other characteristics.
• Modern slavery or exploitation – being forced to work, trafficked, or controlled for another person’s gain.

What You Should Do

Contact the Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team

Each local authority has a Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) with a dedicated team for safeguarding concerns. They have the authority to assess the risk and take action.

• You can find contact information through your council’s website.
• If the situation is immediate or life-threatening, call 999.

National Helplines & Support Services

If you are unsure about what action to take, please reach out for guidance by contacting us on 01507 534 181 or refer to the NHS Safeguarding Guide for more detailed steps on making a referral.

Safeguarding: For Professionals

We are committed to multi-agency working to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in our care. If you're a professional and would like to raise a safeguarding concern or collaborate with our Safeguarding Lead, please complete the Safeguarding Contact Form below. We will be in touch promptly to discuss the next steps.

Safeguarding: For Professionals

We are committed to multi-agency working to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in our care. If you're a professional and would like to raise a safeguarding concern or collaborate with our Safeguarding Lead, please complete the Safeguarding Contact Form below. We will be in touch promptly to discuss the next steps.