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People with learning disabilities have the same rights as anybody else; this means that you have the right to live safely like other people. Sometimes things can happen that can make you feel unhappy and not safe, and sometimes adults with learning disabilities are abused.

What does abuse mean?
Abuse is when someone does or says things to you that make you upset or frightened. You might feel scared to speak out or stop them.

There are different kinds of abuse:

• Physical abuse - this is when someone hurts you, like if someone hits you or kicks you. It may also be when someone holds you down.

 

• Sexual abuse - this is when someone touches your body and does things to you that you do not like or understand.

 

• Emotional abuse - this is when people say bad things to you such as calling you names, not listening to you, or saying you are stupid or making you feel sad.

 

• Financial abuse - this is when someone takes your money or your private things without asking you. It's when you do not have a say in how someone spends your money.

 

• Neglect - this is when people do not help you properly. They do not help you get food, have a warm house or keep you safe from danger.

Who might abuse you?
Anyone could abuse you - it might be a stranger or someone you know.

Who can help to stop the abuse?
You can tell someone you trust. This could be a friend, a teacher, your advocate, your family, a care manager or a social worker, a nurse or doctor.

It is important that you tell a person that you trust. If you are worried about talking to someone you know, you can ring Social Services or ask someone to ring for you.  The telephone number for Social Services is (01254) 587547 and there is someone there to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Or for help and advice you can ring the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Safeguarding Adults Team on (01254) 584589.