Our Commitment

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone has the right to live safely and free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Affinity Housing is committed to protecting the wellbeing of residents and working with local authorities, social care services, police, health providers and specialist agencies when concerns arise.

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting people’s rights to live in safety and free from harm. It involves preventing abuse, responding to concerns, supporting vulnerable individuals and promoting dignity, independence and wellbeing.

What Safeguarding Includes

• Listening to concerns and taking them seriously
  • Acting where a person may be at risk
  • Supporting people to remain safe in their home and community
  • Respecting rights, choice and dignity
  • Working in partnership with relevant agencies

Everyone Has a Role to Play

If something does not feel right, speak up. You do not need proof to raise a safeguarding concern. Early reporting can prevent further harm and ensure appropriate support is provided.

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If someone is in immediate danger call 999. Safeguarding concerns should be reported through Affinity Housing’s safeguarding process and, where appropriate, to local authority safeguarding teams or other statutory agencies.

Types of Abuse and Neglect

Type of Abuse	Description
Physical Abuse	Hitting, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint or physical harm.
Sexual Abuse	Any sexual activity without consent or where consent cannot be given.
Emotional/Psychological Abuse	Threats, intimidation, humiliation, isolation, coercion or harassment.
Financial Abuse	Theft, fraud, exploitation or misuse of money, property or benefits.
Domestic Abuse	Physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse within relationships.
Neglect and Acts of Omission	Failure to meet care, support, medical or basic living needs.
Self-Neglect	Failure to care for personal hygiene, health or living conditions.
Discriminatory Abuse	Abuse based on race, religion, disability, gender, sexuality or other protected characteristics.
Organisational Abuse	Poor practice or systemic failures within organisations or services.
Cyber Bullying	Use of digital technology to threaten, bully or harm others.
Mate Crime	Exploitation by someone pretending to be a friend.
Hate Crime	Crime motivated by prejudice or hostility.
Modern Slavery	Human trafficking, forced labour or servitude.
Honour-Based Abuse	Abuse connected to perceived family or community honour.
Forced Marriage	Marriage carried out without free and informed consent.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)	Illegal procedures involving the removal or injury of female genital organs.
Radicalisation and Extremism	Exploitation of vulnerable people into extremist ideologies or activities.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

All safeguarding concerns will be taken seriously. Information will be handled confidentially and shared only with relevant professionals and agencies where necessary to protect individuals from harm.