Safeguarding

Everyone Deserves to Feel Safe, Supported, and Heard—No Matter What.

Safeguarding means protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect. We all share the responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of these individuals, and it's crucial that we do everything we can to protect those who are most at risk in our society.

Our practice has robust safeguarding policies in place to protect all our patients, and our staff are trained to recognise when someone may be at risk. Dr. Sadia Javaid, our Practice Safeguarding Lead, and Julia Steers, our Deputy Safeguarding Lead are responsible for overseeing our safeguarding policies and ensuring they are followed. 

A copy of our practice Safeguarding Leaflet is available here.

 

Safeguarding Children

This section is for anyone who has concerns about a child being at risk of abuse or neglect, and provides information on where to find support and guidance.

Who is responsible for Safeguarding Children?

The short answer is: everyone. We all have a role to play in protecting children and ensuring their well-being.

Every child has the right to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. It is the responsibility of all adults to look after children, including:

  • Parents

  • Family members

  • Friends

  • Neighbours

  • Members of the public

  • Professionals

What is child abuse?

Child abuse can take many forms. Some examples include:

  • Physical abuse: Hitting, kicking, or punching a child

  • Physical neglect: Not providing adequate food, clothing, or hygiene

  • Sexual abuse: Inappropriate sexual behaviour, language, or acts

  • Emotional abuse: Constant criticism, humiliation, or exposure to domestic violence

How can you tell if a child is being abused or neglected?

Children often do not speak out about abuse, but there may be warning signs that indicate something is wrong. These signs may include:

  • Appearing fearful, quiet, or withdrawn

  • Unexplained bruising or injuries, or bruises in unusual places

  • Being afraid to go home

  • Appearing hungry, tired, or unkempt

  • Being left unsupervised or unattended

  • Taking on inappropriate responsibilities for their age

  • Exhibiting sexually inappropriate behaviour

  • Misusing alcohol or drugs

What to do if you're concerned?

If you’re worried that a child may be at risk, it’s important to speak up. You can contact any of the following for help:

  • A Health Visitor

  • Nursery or School staff

  • A Teacher

  • A Police officer

  • A Social worker

  • A Doctor

When raising your concerns, remember to:

  • Do not interrogate the child.

  • Act quickly—don’t wait to report your concerns.

  • Record your observations with dates and times.

  • Provide as much detail as possible about the child and family.

Who to Contact

North Lincolnshire Children’s Services

  • 01724 296500 – Mon–Thu 9:00–17:00, Fri 9:00–16:30
  • 01724 296555 – Answerphone (out of office hours and at weekends)
  • 101 – Police non-emergency
  • 999 – Police emergency

The NSPCC have lots of useful information on their website NSPCC | The UK children's charity | NSPCC

Childline offers help and support for young people. Their website has lots of useful information Childline | Free counselling service for kids and young people | Childline

Safeguarding Adults

This section is designed to help people understand what abuse is, how to recognise the signs, and how to report concerns so that individuals can receive the support they need to stay safe and maintain their independence.

What is abuse?

Abuse refers to any behaviour that intentionally or unintentionally causes harm to another person. It is a violation of a person’s human rights and, in severe cases, can even threaten their life.

Abuse can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Financial abuse

  • Psychological or emotional abuse

  • Institutional abuse

  • Neglect

  • Discriminatory abuse

What are the signs of abuse?

There are various signs that someone may be experiencing abuse. Common indicators include:

  • Unexplained injuries or frequent visits to the GP or A&E

  • Signs of emotional distress or withdrawal

  • Becoming socially isolated

  • Unexplained pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

  • Self-neglect or failure to meet basic physical or emotional needs

  • Inability to pay bills or buy food despite having enough money

Which adults are at risk of abuse?

"Adults at risk" refers to individuals aged 18 and over who may be vulnerable due to:

  • Relying on others or services for care or support, due to factors such as age, physical or learning disabilities, mental health needs, or substance misuse

  • A lack of mental capacity

  • The inability to speak up for themselves

Where might abuse happen?

Abuse can occur in many different settings, such as:

  • In the home

  • Public spaces

  • Day centres

  • Residential care homes

  • Hospitals

  • GP surgeries

  • Colleges

  • Police stations

  • Prisons

Who to Contact

Adult Protection Team

  • 01724 297000
  • 999 – Police emergency (Out of Hours and in an Emergency)

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is any form of controlling, coercive, threatening, or violent behaviour between partners or family members, and help is available to those affected.

Signs to look out for

  • Unexplained injuries, frequent “accidents,” or repeated GP/hospital visits

  • Anxiety, withdrawal, low self-esteem, or sudden mood changes

  • Isolation from friends, family, or social activities

  • Controlling behaviour over money, transport, phone, or social contact

  • Signs of sexual coercion or reproductive health concerns

National Services:

Local Services (North Lincolnshire / Scunthorpe):

Radicalisation

Radicalisation can be difficult to detect, but there are some warning signs that someone may be at risk:

  • Sudden or extreme changes in behaviour, beliefs, or language

  • Expressing strong views that justify violence or hatred

  • Withdrawal from friends, family, or usual social circles

  • Using social media or online platforms to access extremist content

  • Talking about or showing fascination with extremist groups or ideologies

  • Becoming secretive about activities, online or offline

If you notice these signs and are concerned, it’s important to seek advice or report your concerns to trained professionals.

Where to get help:

  • North Lincolnshire Prevent Team: 01724 297000 (office hours)

  • Humberside Police Prevent Team: 101

  • Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) Helpline: 0800 789 321

Female Genital Mutilation

FGM is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, and it is illegal in the UK.

How to Spot FGM

  • A girl may talk about a special procedure or ceremony coming up

  • Difficulty walking, sitting, or standing

  • Withdrawal, anxiety, or unusual behaviour

  • Frequent urinary or menstrual problems

  • A family history of FGM in the community or country of origin

National Services:

 

County Lines

County lines describes how criminal gangs use dedicated phone lines (“deal lines”) to run illegal drug networks across different areas. These gangs often exploit children, young people, and vulnerable adults to move and store drugs, cash, or weapons.

How It Works / Why It’s a Safeguarding Concern:

  • Children or vulnerable adults are groomed or coerced into running drugs or money for the gang.

  • Gangs use tactics like debt bondage, violence, intimidation, and threats.

  • They may “cuckoo” — take over a local vulnerable person’s home to use it as a base for their operations.

  • Exploited people may travel between counties, or stay locally, depending on the gang’s structure. 

Signs to Look For / How to Spot It:
Some potential indicators that someone may be involved in county lines exploitation:

  • Multiple mobile phones, or the person uses more than one phone frequently. 

  • Sudden changes in behaviour, e.g. being secretive about who they are with, or unexplained absence / missing episodes. 

  • Unexplained new possessions (designer clothes, money) or gifts that seem beyond their means. 

  • Unexplained injuries or signs of physical harm.

  • Associating with older people or unfamiliar individuals.

  • Mental health decline, anxiety, fear

How to Report Concerns:

101

999 - in an emergency

Useful Links & Resources:

Crimestoppers UK – County Lines: How communities can help report and stop county lines exploitation. crimestoppers-uk.org

Online Safety

Online safety is about protecting children, young people, and adults from harm while using the internet, social media, or other digital platforms.

Signs to look for

  • Spending excessive time online or using multiple devices secretly

  • Sudden changes in behaviour, mood, or friendships

  • Receiving messages from unknown or inappropriate contacts

  • Accessing or sharing harmful content, or showing distress after online activity

  • Unexplained gifts, money, or contact linked to online interactions

Where to Find Information and Get Help:

Page last reviewed: 24 November 2025
Page created: 24 November 2025