ADULT PROTECTION

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

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?

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.

Changes in Behaviour

People who are being abused often show sign of changed behaviour. They may become very withdrawn and refuse 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.

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 have concerns - Report the matter to the Adult Services Access Team telephone 01624 686179

Remember all types of abuse have to be stopped.

If you think a crime has been committed then you have to report it to the Police. We will investigate the situation whenever possible to protect the individual at risk.

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