Kent had 22,240 reports of adult abuse in one year

Organisers of the awareness week are urging people to recognise that abuse can happen anywhere

A total of 22,240 reports of adult abuse were raised across Kent and Medway in the last year, according to the Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board (KMSAB).

Types of abuse recorded include physical, domestic, sexual, psychological, financial, modern slavery, and neglect.

KMSAB, which is supporting an adult abuse awareness week from 18-22 November, said "noticing is not nosiness" and "if you are concerned about an adult, report it".

Andy Rabey, KMSAB chairperson, said: "Safeguarding is everyone's business and the impact of someone recognising the signs of abuse cannot be overstated.”

"Adults can be at risk of different kinds of abuse and it can happen anywhere," said a spokesperson from KMSAB, which is made up of representatives from Medway Council, Kent County Council, Kent Police and the Integrated Care Board.

"This could be self-neglecting, or when someone else treats them in a way that harms or hurts them. It can happen once or on multiple occasions.

"People who abuse are not always strangers, they can also be partners, relatives, a friend, neighbour or carer."

KMSAB has put together a resource pack to help prompt conversations and encourage local organisations to host events during the national Ann Craft Trust National Safeguarding Adults Awareness Week.

The organisation said it was aiming to empower people to feel confident enough to recognise different types of abuse and report their safeguarding concerns.

Each day of the week is focused on a different safeguarding theme from 'establishing professional boundaries' to 'organisational learning'.