Just 2% of safeguarding concerns raised by those who experience alleged abuse

JUST 2% of safeguarding concerns reported to the HSE are made directly by those who may have been abused, with almost all concerns reported by third parties.

Safeguarding Ireland today encouraged more people to self-report, if they believe they are experiencing abuse.

Safeguarding Ireland chairperson Patricia Rickard Clarke said that almost all of the cases reported to the HSE are via staff and families – and she called on more adults to come forward and be empowered to report concerns themselves.

“Those most at risk are vulnerable adults such as people who are living with dementia, a brain injury, a mental illness, a learning disability, a physical disability, or a frail older person. Though people may live with reduced capacity – we would encourage them to report their concerns where possible.”

Figures for 2017 reported to the HSE National Safeguarding Office showed 10,120 concerns regarding alleged abuse in Ireland with the most common type physical abuse at 37%, followed by psychological 29%, financial abuse 11% and sexual abuse 9%. However, just 2% came directly from those affected.

The HSE National Safeguarding Office is a member of Safeguarding Ireland and works closely with nine Safeguarding and Protection Teams across the country – to whom concerns about people’s protection can be reported.

The teams also provide support and guidance to services working with vulnerable people on the prevention and management of abuse concerns.

National Safeguarding Office general manager Tim Hanly said greater public awareness is needed. 

“Our office together with Safeguarding Ireland is working to increase public awareness of what abuse is. We encourage people themselves, families and friends to report any concerns of abuse to our service.”

The www.safeguardingireland.org website includes contact details for each of the nine regionally based HSE Safeguarding and Protection Teams.