CIVIC chiefs in Southampton have partnered up with police officers, NHS bosses and volunteers to encourage residents to speak out and report signs of abuse.

A list of behaviours which are deemed abusive has been published in a bid to raise awareness across the city.

Southampton City Council said the campaign comes after engagements with local residents revealed the need to raise awareness of different types of abuse.

The campaign called Spot the Signs and Speak Out is to be launched on November 18 to mark the National Safeguarding Adults Awareness Week.

The initiative has been supported by the Southampton Safeguarding Adults Board, which includes representatives from the Southampton City Council, local police, NHS, fire service and the voluntary sector.

Cllr Lorna Fielker, cabinet member for adult care said: “Everyone has the right to live in a world free from abuse and neglect. The ‘Spot the Signs and Speak Out’ campaign helps us understand what abuse can look like and how to report it. Abuse and neglect can happen at home, in public places, and even in hospitals or care homes. You shouldn’t assume that someone else will report it and should always speak out if you are concerned. When you report abuse, we will listen, help and support you, and work with you to stop the abuse. By speaking out, you will protect yourself and others from further harm.”

A new web page has also been launched to help people in Southampton find out more about how to spot the signs and speak out.

These are the signs of adult abuse highlighted by the campaign:

Financial Abuse – Money, welfare benefits, belongings or property being withheld or stolen by another person.

Discrimination – Comments or jokes about a person’s disability, age, race or sexual orientation.

Physical abuse – Hitting, pushing, slapping, misuse of medication or locking someone in a room.

Sexual abuse – Being made to do things of a sexual nature against someone’s will.

Emotional abuse – Shouting, swearing, bullying, teasing or humiliating someone.

Neglect – Ignoring medical or physical care needs.

Self-neglect – Not attending to your own basic needs, for example personal hygiene, health or surroundings including hoarding.

Domestic abuse – Including coercive control, psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse, and ‘honour’ based violence