Everyone deserves care, dignity, and support.
Neglect is often misunderstood, but it is a serious form of abuse. It happens when a person’s basic needs are deliberately or consistently unmet—such as food, hygiene, safety, medical care, or emotional support.
Neglect is not just “forgetting” or being disorganised. It can be a pattern of harmful inaction, often used to control, punish, or dehumanise someone. Neglect can happen to adults, children, disabled people, older people, and those dependent on others for care.
What Is Neglect?
Neglect means failing to provide care or meet someone’s basic physical, emotional, or psychological needs—either on purpose or through willful disregard.
Neglect can occur:
- In relationships (e.g. between partners or family members)
- In care settings (e.g. care homes, hospitals, foster placements)
- At home (especially involving children, disabled or elderly individuals)
Types of Neglect
- Physical Neglect
Failing to provide food, clean water, clothing, warmth, shelter, or hygiene.
Examples: not feeding someone regularly, leaving them in unclean or unsafe conditions. - Medical Neglect
Failing to provide access to healthcare or withholding medication or treatment.
Examples: not taking someone to necessary appointments, refusing to support pain relief or mental health needs. - Emotional Neglect
Withholding love, attention, reassurance, or stimulation.
Examples: ignoring someone’s distress, belittling them, or refusing affection or comfort. - Educational Neglect (for children)
Failing to ensure a child attends school or receives a suitable education.
Examples: not enrolling a child in school, or allowing persistent absence. - Financial Neglect (in care settings)
Not managing someone’s finances responsibly if you are in a position of trust.
Examples: failing to pay bills on someone’s behalf, leaving them without essentials.
Signs of Neglect
- Malnutrition, dehydration, or frequent illness
- Dirty clothes, body odour, untreated wounds or infections
- Living in unsafe, unsanitary, or overcrowded housing
- Unexplained weight loss or lack of mobility aids
- Missed medical appointments or running out of medications
- Emotional withdrawal, anxiety, or low self-worth
- In children: delayed development, lack of supervision, poor school attendance
“He wasn’t hitting me—but he stopped cooking, cleaning, helping me shower, or taking me to my hospital appointments. I felt invisible.”
— Survivor of neglect by a partner
Is Neglect Illegal?
Yes. In the UK:
- Neglect is a form of abuse under the Care Act 2014 and Children Act 1989
- It is criminal to willfully neglect someone in your care, especially if they are vulnerable (e.g. children, disabled people, elderly adults)
- Professionals such as carers, nurses, or guardians have a legal duty of care
How We Can Help
If you or someone you know is being neglected—especially in a relationship, by a carer, or in a family setting—support is available. You are not alone.
We can help you:
- Report neglect safely and confidentially
- Access emergency food, shelter, medical care, or financial support
- Connect with safeguarding services and advocacy
- Plan a safe exit or change in care arrangements
- Understand your rights and explore legal action
- Access trauma-informed counselling and recovery support
Speak Up, Support Others
Neglect is often hidden or minimised—but it is abuse. If you are concerned about someone:
- Listen with compassion
- Offer support without judgement
- Encourage them to speak to a trusted service
- If someone is at risk of immediate harm, call 999
For Professionals
We offer training and guidance for:
- Health and social care workers
- Domestic abuse caseworkers and housing staff
- Schools, early years, and youth workers
- Carers, family support services, and charities
Learn how to:
- Recognise signs of neglect
- Respond safely to disclosures
- Report safeguarding concerns
- Create safer, more inclusive environments for vulnerable individuals
You Deserve Dignity and Care
No one should ever be left without the care and support they need to survive, grow, or thrive.
Neglect is not “just how things are.” It is abuse—and help is available.