A new campaign called Thinking it? Report it has been launched in Somerset this month and the people of Burnham are being urged to make contact if they think someone is being harmed.

The campaign has been launched with support from Somerset’s Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB), which is a group of agencies including Somerset County Council, Avon and Somerset Police, the NHS and others, who work together to protect vulnerable adults from harm.

Richard Crompton, chairman of the SSAB, said: "We know from our experience there are vulnerable people in Somerset who are being subjected to abuse, but they may lack the ability, knowledge or support to challenge it or do something about it.

"That’s why we need people to speak up for them.

"If you suspect it, think it, hear it or see it, report it to us.

"Your intervention could save someone’s life."

The people of Burnham need to be aware that abuse of vulnerable adults is widespread and complex.

In many cases, the type of abuse suffered by a victim is wide ranging.

It can be physical, mental, financial, sexual or in some cases, neglect.

"People who are physically, emotionally or psychologically frail and dependent on others for their care can be neglected and taken advantage of by others in a number of ways," added Richard.

"It can affect vulnerable men and women from all social backgrounds.

"Abuse can happen anywhere.

"In some cases, the abuser is a member of the victim’s own family or someone who is paid to care for them.

"That makes the problem more hidden, and why we need people to come forward where they have a valid suspicion that something might not be right."

Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte, head of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s managing people and places department, which looks after vulnerable adults, said: "The police take the safeguarding of adults and vulnerable people very seriously.

"We have specialist officers to deal with victims of abuse and well-established safeguarding units to assess and triage the risk to vulnerable people.

"We are pleased to be working with our partners to make peoples whose lives are a misery due to abuse better.

"We want to hear from the public if they have even the smallest concern that someone is being abused, neglected or mistreated.

"Please get in touch."

There are a number of ways you can report a concern about a vulnerable adullt.

To report a concern about a vulnerable adult, call the council on 0300 123 2224 or email adults@somerset.gov.uk