Enable is committed to ensuring that every child, young person and vulnerable adult is safe and happy in their activities, and protected from all forms of abuse and neglect.

What is abuse?

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child, young person or vulnerable adult.  Somebody may abuse or neglect by inflicting harm, or by failing to prevent harm.

Main Types of Abuse

There are different types of abuse that can take place, below is a list of what you should be aware of:

• Physical abuse can include hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint, or inappropriate sanctions.


• Sexual abuse can include rape and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the vulnerable adult has not consented, or could not consent or was pressured into consenting.


• Psychological abuse can include emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks.


• Financial or material abuse can include theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.


• Neglect and acts of omission can include ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care or education services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating.


• Discriminatory abuse can include racism, sexism, abuse based on a person's disability, and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.

Places where people can be at risk of abuse

Abuse can take place anywhere. This includes public places, at college, in day centres, in a residential or nursing home or in your own home.

People who can cause harm

Anyone can behave in an abusive way. This can include family, friends, partners, teachers, care workers, volunteers and strangers.

If you have a concern

If you are a learner on an Enable programme and think you have been hurt or abused you should contact the Designated Senior Person within the organisation you attend for learning.  If you feel this isn't possible please contact either of the following:

The Designated Senior Person (DSP):  Don Hayes. Telephone.  0115 9348429. Email: don@enable.uk.net

Safeguarding Officer:  Lynn Barlow. Telephone: 01909 496121. Email: lynnb@enable.uk.net

Safeguarding Officer:  Simon Moore. Telephone: 0115 934 9566. Email: simon@enable.uk.net

Useful links

• Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) The ISA was created to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults.


• Nottingham County Council's Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Information, advice and guidance about safeguarding adults in Nottinghamshire.


• Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board Information, advice and guidance about safeguarding children in Nottinghamshire.


• Nottingham City Council's Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Information, advice and guidance about safeguarding adults in Nottingham City.


• Nottingham City Safeguarding Children Board (NCSCB) Information, advice and guidance about safeguarding children in Nottingham City.


• Nottingham City Safeguarding Children Board (NCSCB) Inter Agency Training NCSCB provides a programme of multi-agency training for practitioners and managers to be able to Safeguard and promote the welfare of children within Nottingham City.


• Every Child Matters Every Child Matters is a shared programme of change to improve outcomes for all children and young people.  It takes forward the Government's vision of radical reform for children, young people and families.


• Safer Learning Leaflet This leaflet was produced by NIACE for you to be able to print and distribute to learners.


• Safer Practice, Safer Learning booklet This booklet was produced by NIACE.  It sets out the safeguarding responsibilities of further education colleges, adult and community learning providers and providers of work based training in the learning and skills sector in England