Ms Patricia Rickard-Clarke:

It is the responsibility of all to safeguard people, to protect them from neglect, abuse and exploitation, regardless of their circumstances. People look at safeguarding as relating to people with disabilities or older people who perhaps have dementia. It is much wider than that. People in particular circumstances or at a particular time of their lives may be at risk. They may be in isolation, lonely or bereaved or have health issues. Safeguarding is about protecting people who may be at risk and ensuring they are protected against abuse, neglect and exploitation.