As a doctor you will often meet your patients at their most vulnerable moments. In most instances, the forces of nature will have conspired to weaken the individual to bring them to this point. But in sad and rare cases, vulnerable individuals are not aorded the protection they need, and a presentation to acute healthcare services may be a manifestation of abuse. Two groups are particularly at risk:vulnerable adults (those in need of community services because of mental or other illness, disability, or age) and children. While government policy on protecting these groups continues to evolve, and new statutory regulations are likely to be intro­duced, your local healthcare organization should have clear policies on child protection and adult safeguarding. In all instances, your rst and most important action if you believe a patient may be subject to any form of abuse is to bring your concerns to the attention of your consultant.