There is a need for much greater reporting of adult abuse, after a new survey has found that more than a third take no action when they experience abuse happening to them.
The survey was carried out by RED C on a representative sample of 1,000 adults to inform Adult Safeguarding Day 2026 – which takes place on Friday November 6th.
The survey found that more than a third (36%) took no action in circumstances where they believed adult abuse was happening personally to them. 20% said they did nothing because they did not know what to do, while 16% said they chose not to do anything.
The survey also found that adult abuse is very widespread with almost two thirds (63%) saying that they have either personally experienced abuse or witnessed abuse of another person.
- 35% said they have personally experienced abuse
- 52% said they had witnessed abuse affecting someone else.
There was a significant increase in online abuse from previous similar RED C surveys. The most common types of abuse respondents identified were psychological (40%), shared with online also at 40%. Coercive control was also notably prevalent with 32% reporting experience of it.
The survey also found that people are more likely to act when they witness abuse affecting others than when they experience it themselves. Over three-quarters (77%) of witnesses took some form of action, compared with 58% of those who had personally experienced abuse.
Safeguarding Ireland Chairperson Patricia Rickard-Clarke said the survey highlighted the need for greater awareness that reporting suspected abuse is an essential part of adult safeguarding.
“Adult safeguarding means that all adults living safe from harm or any form of abuse. This is one of the rights set out in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
“Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, to keep their independence and have their voice heard. This is particularly important for adults-at-risk. These are people who live with frailty, physical disability, learning difficulties, issues with mental health, or an acquired brain injury.
“Safeguarding involves having measures in place to keep people safe from harm, supporting everyone to make their own decisions – and that concerns are reported.”
HSE Chief Social Worker Amanda Casey encouraged people to report abuse if it is happening to them, or to a person they know. The HSE has local teams in each region and an online portal through which people can report.
“If you, or someone you know, is experiencing adult abuse, you should report it. Help is available. You don’t need to be certain that abuse is happening before raising a concern. If something doesn’t feel right – report it.
“You can report a concern by email or phone to your regional HSE Safeguarding and Protection Team, or by email on the HSE safeguarding portal. There are nine teams across the country and the list of these contacts are on the Safeguarding Day web portal at www.safeguardingday.ie.”
The survey was launched to mark Adult Safeguarding Day 2026 which takes place each year to inform people about preventing, reducing and reporting adult abuse. It is delivered in partnership between Safeguarding Ireland and the HSE.
Patricia Rickard-Clarke added that if a someone is in an immediate danger they should urgently contact the Gardaí at 999/111, or contact the local Garda station.
Further survey findings included:
- Women are more likely than men to report experience of abuse. 68% of women report either personal experience or witnessing abuse compared with 58% of men
- Younger adults are significantly more likely to report experience of abuse. Around three-quarters (74%) 18-34 year olds report either personal experience or witnessing abuse, compared with 52% among those aged 65+.
There are many forms abuse can take including: Psychological, physical, financial, neglect, sexual, organisational, online, coercive control, cuckooing, peer-to-peer, mate crime or discrimination.
Ms Rickard-Clarke concluded: “Almost 15,000 cases of alleged abuse are reported to the HSE Safeguarding Office each year. However, we know that the actual figure is much higher because, as the survey shows, not all cases are reported.
“Adult abuse can involve hurting or frightening someone, controlling their life and money, or neglecting their needs. Increasingly adult abuse takes place on the internet or by smartphone. It often happens gradually, so that over time it comes to seem ‘normal’. However, adult abuse can be very dangerous and be serious crime. If you suspect it – report it.”
For more information go to www.safeguardingday.ie
Further Information: Ronan Cavanagh, Cavanagh Communications: (086) 317 9731.
Safeguarding Ireland promotes safeguarding of adults to protect them from all forms of abuse by persons, organisations and institutions and to deliver a national plan for promoting their welfare. https://safeguardingireland.org / info@safeguardingireland.org
Safeguarding means putting measures in place to uphold our rights, to support our health and wellbeing, to reduce our risk of harm – and to empower us to protect ourselves.
Research is based on a nationally representative survey of n=1,010 persons aged 18+ living in the Republic of Ireland conducted by RED C Research & Marketing Ltd, with fieldwork conducted between 1st and 6th October 2026.
Where to report adult abuse
HSE
For general information: www.hse.ie/safeguarding.
Contact a HSE Safeguarding and Protection Team by phone or email:
- Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary: safeguarding.cho3@hse.ie / 067 464 70
- Cork and Kerry: safeguarding.cho4@hse.ie / 021 492 7550
- South Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford: safeguarding.cho5@hse.ie / 0818 101 101
- Wicklow, Dún Laoghaire and Dublin South East: safeguarding.cho6@hse.ie / 01 216 4511
- Kildare, West Wicklow, Dublin West, Dublin South City and Dublin South West: safeguarding.cho7@hse.ie / 045 920 410
- Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath, Louth and Meath: safeguarding.cho8@hse.ie / 01 691 4632
- Dublin North, Dublin North Central and Dublin North West: safeguarding.cho9@hse.ie / 01 795 9528
- Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal: safeguarding.cho1@hse.ie / 071 983 4660
- Roscommon, Galway and Mayo: safeguarding.cho2@hse.ie / 091 748 432.
Report a concern online at the HSE portal: https://adultsafeguardingportal.hse.ie.
The Gardaí
If there is danger and it is urgent – contact the Gardaí. Call 999 or 112 or contact your local Garda station.
