Protecting vulnerable adults in Staffordshire from abuse and neglect

* If a crime has been committed or if you are concerned about someone's immediate safety contact the Police *

What is abuse?

Abuse is behaviour towards a person that causes him or her distress,
endangers life or violates their rights. Neglect is also seen as abuse if it
leads to harm or distress. It can happen to both men and women.

Vulnerable adults can be mistreated, harmed and exploited in a number of ways:

• Physically;
• Sexually;
• Financially;
• Psychologically or emotionally;
• Through Neglect; and 
• Through Discrimination.

Who is vulnerable?

A vulnerable adult can be anyone over the age of 18, who has
a physical or sensory impairment, learning disability or a mental
health problem and who may be unable to protect themselves from
harm or abuse. Many frail or confused older people are especially
vulnerable.

Where does abuse occur?

Abuse can happen in many different settings:

• someone's own home;
• in a care home;
• in a hospital;
• in a day centre; or
• in a public place.

Who may be an abuser?

Abuse is carried out by many different people, but it's usually
someone who is known and trusted. It may be:

• a family member;
• a neighbour;
• a care worker or volunteer;
• a friend, or
• anyone with access to the person.

What do you need to do?

Recognise it.

Abuse comes in many forms and more than one type of abuse may
be happening at the same time.

Report it.

If you feel you are being abused or know a person you believe is at
risk, then it is important to tell someone. You can contact one of our offices. They will work with you to make sure everyone is safe.

You may be worried about the consequences of reporting abuse.
The person concerned may not be able to report the abuse
themselves and may rely on you to voice your concerns. You will be
offered advice and support.

You must never assume that somebody else will recognise and
report what you have seen or heard.

What will happen next?

What happens next depends on the wishes of the person and the
seriousness of the situation.

In response to your call, trained staff will carry out a careful and
sensitive enquiry in line with locally agreed procedures.

Information and advice will be offered so that the person and their
family can make an informed choice about any practical help they
need or action they wish to take.

If they are unable to make an informed choice, care will be taken
to support and protect them and do what is best for them.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults in Stoke on
Trent and Staffordshire Board.

The Board brings together lead officers from all agencies
concerned with the wellbeing and protection of vulnerable adults.
By having contact between agencies it promotes the development
of strategies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults.

Who can you contact?

• Staffordshire Police
  Emergency: 999
  Main switchboard: 08453 302010
• Commission for Social Care Inspection
  0121 600 5300
• One of our offices 

"Staffordshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites linked from this page."

Once reported the concern will be investigated in line with the  Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Policy and Procedures (Word, 2199kb).  Investigations will normally be co-ordinated by Social Services but may be led by the Police, by Social Services or by the Commission for Social Care Inspection services registered under the Care Standards Act 2000).

What happens when an Adult Protection referral is made to Social Services?

Last Modified: 07/05/2008 13:33:40
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