ADULT PROTECTION
Adult abuse is often hidden from society as a whole and does not share the widespread media coverage given to the abuse of children. The UK government document "No Secrets" 2000 led to most local authorities forming a policy on Adult Protection and the Isle of Man Department of Health and Social Security were no exception. As part of this policy, it is the duty of the department to raise awareness about adult abuse/protection and this web page is hopefully a means of bringing the topic to the attention of workers in the health and social care sector and the general public.
What is Abuse?
"Abuse may consist of a single act or repeated acts. It may be physical, verbal or psychological, it may be an act of neglect or an omission to act, or it may occur when a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter into a financial or sexual transaction to which he or she has not consented or cannot consent. Abuse may occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of the person subjected to it." No Secrets D.O.H 2000
Who is a Vulnerable Adult?
Any person aged 18 years or over who is, or may be in need of care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness or who is or may be unable to take care of themselves from harm
What is Significant Harm?
No only ill treatment (including sexual abuse and forms of ill treatment which are not physical), but also the impairment of, or an avoidable deterioration in, physical or mental health; and the impairment of physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development
What are the Types of Abuse?
Physical
Hitting, slapping, punching, pushing, kicking, biting, scalding, restraint, force feeding, over/under medicating, using banned moving and handling techniques.
Sexual
Rape, indecent assault, inflicting pornography, offensive/inappropriate language, inappropriate/unwanted touching, sexual harassment, taking of lewd photographs.
Psychological/Emotional
Shouting, swearing, threats, abandonment, bullying, intimidation, humiliation, blaming, harassment, belittling, name calling.
Financial/Material
Theft, fraud, exploitation, forcing person to change wills, theft of property, misuse of benefits, charging for care tasks.
Neglects/Acts of Omission
Not washed, left in wet/soiled clothing.
What sign and symptoms might you see if someone is being abused?
Changes in Behaviour
People who are being abused often show sign of changed behaviour. They may become very withdrawn and fuse to join in with their usual activities. People who are normally very outgoing can become very quiet and introverted, and vice versa. They may show signs of confusion, which comes on very suddenly. They may also show signs of being afraid. They may cry a lot for no apparent reason. Changes in behaviour can occur irrespective of the type of abuse taking place.
Physical Abuse/Neglect
People who have been physically abused can have unexplained bruises, cuts, fractures. They may by over or under medicated. If they have been neglected they may have a strong body odour and look unkempt. Their hearing aid/false teeth may be missing.
Sexual Abuse
People who have been sexually abused may have bruising in the genital area, they may have torn or stained underwear, their bed linen may also show unexplained staining. They may use sexual language when they never have before.
Emotional/Psychological Abuse
People who have been psychologically abused may appear easily intimidated and fearful. They may be frightened or anxious, and they may show signs of sleeplessness.
Financial/Material Abuse
People who have been financially abused have had money or possessions taken from them. They may suddenly be unable to pay bills. Items of jewellery/ornaments etc... may disappear from their home.
Financial/Material Abuse
People who have been financially abused have had money or possessions taken from them. They may suddenly be unable to pay bills. Items of jewellery/ornaments etc... may disappear from their home.
Discriminatory Abuse
It's difficult to see evidence of this type of abuse, but you may hear of someone being racially abused, or being called names because they have a learning disability. You may know of someone who is being treated differently because they have a disability or sensory impairment.
Adult Protection Awareness training is delivered to all staff working in the health and social care field, both private and public sector. This training raises awareness of abuse of vulnerable adults and all of the above in much greater detail. If you work in this field and have not yet attended the training session, please contact Janet Parnell on 01624 686142 for more information.
What should I do if I suspect abuse is going on?
You may not work in the health and social care sector, however you may concerns about a friend or a relative or neighbour and suspect they may be being abused. For staff or for a member of the general public who has this type of concern the procedure is similar:-
If you are a worker - Report the matter to your Line Manager or the Duty Social Work Team telephone 01624 686179
If you are a member of the public - Report the matter to the Duty Social Work Team telephone 01624 686179
Remember all types of abuse have to be stopped.
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