Protection of vulnerable adults

The adult protection procedure aims to provide a system that promotes awareness, reporting and investigation of adult abuse.

It provides information that organisations or individuals can use to report situations where it is suspected, alleged or known that a vulnerable adult has been abused.

The problem

The abuse of adults in care settings and their own homes has
long been a neglected national problem.

It is known that abuse is widespread but has largely gone unnoticed, unreported, or has not been properly investigated and addressed.

We have no higher duty of care than to protect vulnerable adults from abuse.

In part shortcomings have been due to the difficulty in
detecting a problem which tends to happen behind closed
doors. It has, however, also been due to a lack of commitment.

Taking action

Only by tackling the issue with the same determination as child abuse can we stand any chance of protecting the basic human rights of adults.

We need to be able to recognise the types of abuse that vulnerable adults may suffer and by whom, and to know what to do if you are being abused or you suspect an adult is being abused.

Who is a vulnerable adult?

A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years or over who may be unable to take care of themselves, or protect themselves from harm or from being exploited.

This may be because they have a mental health problem, a disability, a sensory impairment, are old and frail, or have some form of illness.

What is adult abuse?

Abuse is mistreatment by any other person or persons that violates a person's human and civil rights.

The abuse can vary from treating someone with disrespect in a way which significantly affects the person's quality of life, to causing actual physical suffering.

Abuse can happen anywhere - in a residential or nursing home, a hospital, in the workplace, at a day centre or educational establishment, in supported housing or in the street.

Forms of abuse include:

• Physical abuse such as hitting, pushing, pinching, shaking, misusing medication, scalding, restraint, hair pulling.
• Sexual abuse such as rape, sexual assault, or sexual acts to which the vulnerable adult has not or could not have consented, or to which they were pressurised into consenting.
• Psychological or emotional abuse such as threats of harm or abandonment, being deprived of social or any other form of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, being prevented from receiving services or support.
• Financial or material abuse such as theft, fraud or exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property, or inheritance, misuse of property, possessions or benefits.
• Neglect such as ignoring medical or physical care needs and preventing access to health, social care or educational services or withholding the necessities of life such as food, drink and heating.
• Discriminatory abuse such as that based on race or sexuality or a person's disability and other forms of harassment or slurs.
• Institutional abuse can sometimes happen in residential homes, nursing homes or hospitals when people are mistreated because of poor or inadequate care, neglect and poor practice that affects the whole of that service.

Any of these forms of abuse can be either deliberate or be the result of ignorance, or lack of training, knowledge or understanding.

Often if a person is being abused in one way they are also being abused in other ways.

What to look out for

The way people can be abused may vary and these warning signs can be an indication that abuse is taking place:

Physical signs of abuse:

• Unexplained marks, bruises or injuries may be a sign of physical or possibly sexual abuse
• Insufficient money to cover bills, food and other living expenses can be caused by financial abuse
• Shabby appearance and little or no food or heating in the home are signs of neglect

Behavioural signs of abuse:

• Behaving differently or signs of fear in the presence of certain individuals
• Feeling frightened and depressed, with a sense of hopelessness

Who might be causing the abuse?

The person who is responsible for the abuse is very often well known to the person abused and could be:

• A paid carer or volunteer
• A health worker, social care or other worker
• A relative, friend or neighbour
• Another resident or service user
• An occasional visitor or someone who is providing a service
• People who deliberately exploit vulnerable people

What to do

If you think someone is being abused or someone is abusing
you, contact Lambeth adult's and community services on 020 7926 5555 as soon as possible.

Your concerns will be taken seriously and will receive prompt attention.

What if the abuse is also a crime?

If the abuse is also a crime such as assault, racial harassment, rape or theft you should involve the police to prevent someone else from being abused.

If the police are involved we will work with them and with you to support you.

If you are worried about contacting the police you can always contact us to talk things over first.

If immediate action is needed the Emergency Services should be contacted by dialling 999.

What will happen

When you call us a member of our staff will:

• Listen and take seriously what the person has to say
• Gather information
• Ensure the person is safe
• Get immediate medical treatment if there is an injury
• Involve the police if a crime is suspected
• Involve other professionals to investigate and protect the person from further abuse.

It is helpful if you can provide your name to enable further contact, but it is possible to report suspected abuse and not disclose your identity should you wish.

If you are being abused

If you are being abused and feel unable to call us yourself, tell someone you trust and ask them to do it for you.

Who to report abuse to

Lambeth Adults’ and Community Services
020 7926 5555 (24 hours)

Lambeth Police
999 (emergency)
020 7326 1212 (non- emergency)

Other useful contacts

Commission for Social Care Inspection
020 7803 4960

Elder Abuse Response (National Helpline)
0808 808 8141

Victim Support Scheme
020 7820 0007

Citizens Advice Bureau
020 8715 0707