What to do if…
someone you rely on for care makes sexual comments and you fear retaliation

What to do now

1. Get to a safer pause and protect your immediate care needs.
   If you feel in immediate danger, move to where another person is present if you can, such as a neighbour, reception area, shared room, building staff, or nearby family member. Call 999 if you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help. If it is safer to end the visit, use a simple phrase such as “I’m not well, please leave now,” then contact the provider as soon as you safely can.

2. Create a no-alone arrangement for the next contact.
   If care has to continue before it is changed, ask someone trusted to be present, keep your phone within reach, and avoid private spaces with the person where possible. If visits are scheduled, ask the provider for a different worker, two-person visits, or a manager to attend as an urgent temporary measure.

3. Tell the care provider and request a replacement.
   Contact the agency, organisation, care home manager, direct payment support service, or person who schedules the care. Use simple words, or whatever words feel safest: “I do not feel safe with this person. They made sexual comments. I am afraid of retaliation. I need them removed from my care and a replacement arranged.”
   Ask for:

   • a different worker, and that this person is not sent again
   • a note on your file that you are worried about retaliation
   • a named manager or safeguarding lead so you do not have to repeat yourself to several people
   • confirmation of how your essential care, medication, meals, washing, transport, or access needs will be covered

4. Contact the local adult safeguarding or adult protection route.
   In England, this is usually through your local council adult safeguarding team. In Wales, you can contact local social services or call 101. In Scotland, this is usually through your local council adult support and protection route. In Northern Ireland, this is usually through the Adult Protection Gateway Service in your local Health and Social Care Trust. Tell them you rely on the care, the person has made sexual comments, and you are worried about retaliation or care being withdrawn. Ask for help with safety planning and alternative care arrangements.

5. Use confidential sexual violence support if that feels safer than starting with the provider.
   If you are aged 16 or over in England or Wales, Rape Crisis England & Wales runs a free 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line by phone and online chat. You do not have to report to the police to speak to them. If you are elsewhere in the UK, ask NHS 111, your GP, a sexual health clinic, a SARC, or a trusted professional to help you find local sexual violence support.

6. Consider a Sexual Assault Referral Centre if something sexual has happened or you are worried it might.
   A SARC can discuss medical care, practical support, and options after rape or sexual assault. You can ask about support without deciding right now whether to report to police.

7. Make a brief private note only if it is safe.
   Write down only what helps you avoid repeating yourself later: date, time, where you were, the short version of what was said or done, and why you fear retaliation, such as control over medication, keys, transport, personal care, food, money, or communication. Keep it somewhere the person cannot access.

8. If the service is in England, you can also tell the regulator.
   The Care Quality Commission can receive concerns about care homes, home-care agencies, and other adult social care services in England. This is an extra step; it does not replace contacting the provider, local safeguarding or adult protection route, or 999 in an emergency.