The Cornish public is being urged to speak out if they see an adult at risk of being abused and neglected, as figures reveal agencies were involved in more than 450 safeguarding enquiries last year.

Organisations involved with safeguarding vulnerable adults are asking members people to be more aware as part of a new campaign which was launched to coincide with World Elder Abuse Day on June 15.

Last year there were more than 1,700 new safeguarding adult reports in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly resulting in over 450 safeguarding enquiries. Allegations of physical abuse made up eight per cent of the reported total, emotional abuse made up a further 20 per cent, while neglect was the most prevalent at 36 per cent, and financial abuse and sexual abuse were 18 per cent and six per cent respectively.

Jim McKenna, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for health and adult care, said: “Everyone has the right to live their lives free from violence, fear and abuse.

“Agencies in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are working hard to prevent adults at risk from being abused and neglected and we need the public to join with us to help achieve our aim”.

Rob Cooper, chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Adults Board, said: "While it is vital to protect people when abuse occurs we also need to work together to prevent abuse and neglect from happening in the first place.”

And Chief Supt Jim Pearce, policing commander for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "We fully support this campaign as on a daily basis our officers and staff witness the impact on people at risk from abuse. This campaign goes to the heart of what we are here for, working in partnership to protect those at risk.

"We ask people to look out for their relatives, friends and neighbours and report anything which gives them cause for concern."

There are a number of successful projects and initiatives already taking place in Cornwall which are helping to raise awareness of the needs of adults at risk of abuse and neglect.

The campaign will include posters at council buildings and advice and information on social media.

You can see all of the examples, stories and the Say No to Abuse DVD at www.cornwall.gov.uk/safeguardingadults