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Protection of Vulnerable Adults

VulnerableAdultsleafletcopyformatted00

What to do if you suspect a vulnerable adult is being abused


Who is a vulnerable adult?

Any person aged 18 or over who is or may be in need of a community care service by reason of mental, physical or learning disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or serious exploitation. Those who are physically, mentally or emotionally dependent upon others are the most vulnerable.

What is abuse?

It is the abuse of an individual’s civil and human rights by others who have influence over them. Such violation may be intentional or unintentional and may be a single or repeated act(s) over a period of time. Forms of abuse include;

  • Physical abuse; i.e. hitting, pushing, shaking or withholding care or medication.
  • Sexual abuse; i.e. any sexual act carried out to which the vulnerable adult did not or could not consent and / or was pressured in to consenting to.
  • Emotional abuse; i.e. verbal threats, offensive or belittling remarks or other behaviour that causes distress or concern to another person.
  • Financial or Material Abuse i.e. another person uses the resources of the vulnerable person for their own advantage. This can range from not getting change from their shopping to property transfer.
  • Neglect; i.e. failure to meet someone’s care needs, either deliberate or unintentionally. This results in risk to the well-being of the vulnerable person.
  • Discriminatory abuse based on race or sexuality or a person’s disability, and other forms of harassment or slurs.
  • Institutional abuse by an organisation imposing rigid and insensitive routines, unskilled, intrusive or invasive interventions; or an environment allowing inadequate privacy or physical comfort.

Who might be causing the abuse?

The abuser is usually known to the vulnerable person and may well be;
  • A family member;
  • A friend or neighbour;
  • A paid or volunteer care worker;
  • A health, social work or other professional;
  • Another resident or service user;
  • Someone who deliberately exploits vulnerable people.

Where does the abuse happen?

Vulnerable adults can be abused in any setting. Examples include:
  • Their own home.
  • A carer’s home.
  • A residential or nursing care home.
  • A day centre.
  • At work or an education centre.
  • A hospital.

What to do:

If you are being abused or are concerned about someone you know, it is very important to tell someone.
  • If the problem is needing immediate action (for example, the person is at imminent risk of harm), the Police should be called. Either phone 999 or the local Police number 0845 045 4545.
  • Phone the duty team, details overleaf, and ask to speak to the duty officer. Whilst you do not have to give your name, it is helpful to have a name and contact number in case we need to contact you. We may need to act on the information you give us and contact other relevant services.
  • If you need help with talking about what has happened and want someone to advise you or act on your behalf please contact Age Concern on (01983) 525282 or the Citizens Advice Bureau on 0845 1202959.
  • If you need assistance outside of the office hours listed overleaf: please phone (01983) 821105 - Wightcare and ask for the duty social worker.

What will happen next?

In response to your referral, trained staff will carry out a careful and sensitive enquiry. What needs to happen will depend on the wishes of the person or the seriousness of the situation. If they are in physical danger, ensuring their safety will be of the utmost importance.

Remember that every adult has the right to:
  • a life free from fear;
  • be treated with dignity;
  • have their choices respected and not be forced to do anything against their will.

If you are concerned that you or a vulnerable person you know may be at risk of abuse, please do not ignore it.

Confidentiality

All information disclosed will be treated as confidential and is only passed on with the person’s agreement except in the following circumstances:
  • child protection cases;
  • an illegal act has taken place;
  • it is deemed to be in the best interests of the vulnerable adult.

If one of these applies you will be informed that the information will be passed on to a third party for example to a general practitioner.

Information is stored on the Directorate’s central computer system and within paper files as part of our client record system. Only authorised staff have access to it. Anyone whose personal details are recorded can ask to see them.

How to contact us

Further information about services for adults can be obtained from the duty team on tel: (01983) 823340. The duty team covers the whole Island and is based at 147 High Street, Newport. Personal callers are welcome during office hours, but it is best to telephone to make an appointment to be sure of seeing a duty officer.

The duty team is open:
Mon - Thurs 8.45am to 5.00pm
Fri 8.45am to 4.30pm

If you need help in an emergency and you are not able to wait until the next working day please contact Emergency Duty Service on tel: (01983) 821105.
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