The first port of call if in immediate danger is 999. This is for emergencies. You should never be made to feel unsafe, but often, abuse victims do not realise they are actually victims. Abuse isn’t always physical. Coercive control is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation, intimidation, or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. Their controlling behaviour is designed to make a person dependent by isolating them from support, exploiting them, depriving them of independence, and regulating their everyday behaviour. If you feel you are being coerced, then you should make contact with someone immediately and seek help and support.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help.
If you’re worried someone might see you have visited this page. This website tells you how to cover your tracks online.
Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.
Domestic violence can happen against anyone, and anybody can be an abuser.
Helpful DA links;
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help
How to submit a safeguarding form for an adult.
To submit a safeguarding form for someone over the age of 18 (this is not an urgent concern that needs emergency assistance), follow this link: Safeguarding (wiltshire.gov.uk), where there are further details on the criteria for filling out a form.
How to report a safeguarding incident for a child.
If you think a child or young person is at risk of significant harm or is injured, contact the Integrated Front Door (IFD) on 0300 4560108, 8.45am-5pm, Monday-Thursday and 8.45am-4pm Friday; Out of Hours 0300 456 0100. For less urgent enquiries, email Integratedfrontdoor@wiltshire.gov.uk.
We also recommend many services that can help you in a time of need for extra support:
Wiltshire SHOUT service: text WILTS to 85258 for free, confidential support that won’t appear on your bill. Here, you can talk with a trained volunteer who can point you in the right direction for what may be necessary.
This booklet offers information for sexual assault and abuse victims. The booklet tells you about your rights, how to report these crimes, and where to get support after the crime has taken place. The booklet also offers information on what to do if you don’t feel safe. – Sexual assault and abuse booklet
Below are more links to helpful websites if you don’t feel safe:
- Sexual assault/abuse booklet
- Wiltshire Safeguarding Vulnerable People Partnership (SVPP) – Home page (wiltshiresvpp.org.uk)
- The Rise Trust – Children’s Centres in Chippenham and North Wiltshire
- Bath & North East Somerset Community Safety & Safeguarding Partnership | BCSSP (bathnes.gov.uk)
- Swindon Safeguarding Partnership
- Safeguarding – Wiltshire Health and Care | Enabling people to live independent and fulfilling lives
- Parenting support – Wiltshire Council
- Wiltshire Children’s Centres – Welcome to Spurgeons Children’s Centres in Wiltshire (wiltshirechildrenscentres.org.uk)
- Welcome to Age UK Wiltshire
- Safeguarding – Wiltshire Together
The Living Well Team (Social Prescribing)
We also work very closely with The Living Well Team, who recognise that a person’s health and wellbeing can be determined by a range of social, economic, and environmental factors. Social prescribing looks to address a person’s needs in a holistic way, allowing the patient greater control over their health. Referrals to the team can be made by our staff, family members, or patients themselves by contacting the practice and asking to speak directly with the team.
Our Living Well Team offers support to people in need, whether that is in the community or at home. They can offer a wide range of support with several personal issues, such as:
-Offering directions to referrals to local groups, community activities, and self-help programmes.
-Benefits and financial help
-Mental health/wellbeing, and isolation support.
You can contact the team by calling 01249 470703 or using the following email: bswicb.livingwell.hathaway@nhs.net
Safeguarding at HMC
At Hathaway, we have designated leads that take control over the safety of our patients. Our safeguarding GP is Dr. L Wilson, with the deputy being Dr. E Peirce. We also have two members of our administration team that look closely into the safety of our patients and any cases that may pose a safeguarding risk. All staff follow the ‘see it, report it’ principle, which we also encourage our patients to take on too. This will help us to be more vigilant, spot risks, and deal with them before they escalate too far.
It is crucial at Hathaway Medical Centre that staff recognise risks and act quickly and appropriately when it comes to the safety of our patients. All staff have responsibilities when it comes to safeguarding. These responsibilities include knowing how to act should they recognise potential indicators of abuse or neglect, understanding the practice and local safeguarding policies and procedures, partaking in meetings regarding safeguarding matters when seen necessary, and attending or completing regular training commensurate with their role in accordance with their individual terms of reference and practice policy. These responsibilities are generic and take place across the whole practice; other staff may have more responsibilities due to having a more active role to play in the safeguarding of our patients. These staff will be supplied with the appropriate training to carry out any processes necessary to provide the highest quality of care to these patients, who may be at risk. When visiting the surgery, it is your choice whether you would like someone in your appointment with you or not. If it is made clear that a person arriving with a patient isn’t wanted in the consultation, the GP may ask for them to leave. We also have trained chaperones if you would feel more comfortable with another person in the consultation with you.
