Safeguarding

We are committed to taking all reasonable steps to protect adults that may be vulnerable and keep them from harm.

The Council's guiding principles

• All adults whatever their protected characteristics have the right to protection from abuse
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• It is the responsibility of Adults Social Care to determine whether abuse has taken place but it is everyone's responsibility to report any concerns
• All Adults have the right to retain their independence, well-being and choice, and to be able to live their lives free from abuse, neglect and discrimination
• The Council will work closely with other agencies such as the Police and Adults' Social Care who have a statutory responsibility in this area
• An Adult is defined as a person over the age of 18

Types of abuse

Abuse towards adults can take several different forms. Below covers some main areas of abuse, but is not exclusive or exhaustive list:

• Physical Abuse: including hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, and misuse of medicine/chemical restraint or inappropriate sanctions
• Sexual Abuse: including rape and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the vulnerable adult has not or could not consent and/or was pressed into consenting
• Psychological Abuse: including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, verbal or racial abuse, isolation or withdrawal of services or supportive networks
• Financial or Material Abuse: including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions, misuse or misappropriation of property, possession or benefits
• Neglect and Acts of Omission: including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care or educational services, the withholding of the necessities or life such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating
• Discriminatory Abuse: including racist, sexist, that based on a persons disability and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment
• Institutional Abuse: repeated instances of poor care of individuals or groups of individuals through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of structures, policies, processes and practises within an organisation

You may have concerns because:

• an active disclosure of abuse by an adult
• a passive disclosure of abuse by an adult
• a growing awareness that something is not right
• an allegation of abuse by a third party
• a complaint or concern raised by an adult or third party who does not perceive that it is abuse

What to do

• If you think that a vulnerable adult is being abused contact the adult social care team on 01926 412 080

The adult social care teams can offer advice and support to the person and/or their carers and, where necessary, arrange appropriate services. Depending on the type of abuse you may wish to contact the Police.