What can you do about it?
Most of us know that children can be abused and that Social Services are there to deal with it. However adults can be and often are abused as well. People can be especially vulnerable if they have a disability which makes them less able to protect themselves. In Bath & North East Somerset all the agencies involved in caring for disabled people work together to respond in a coordinated way to cases of suspected abuse. We aim to ensure that vulnerable adults can be offered help and protection whilst still respecting their rights as adults.
Abuse of adults is usually a hidden, secretive matter. Vulnerable adults at risk need other people, members of the public as well as professionals, to get something done about it
Do Bath and North East Somerset Council tackle abuse against all adults?
No, Bath and North East Somerset Council will only become involved if the person is vulnerable because:
- They have a physical or sensory disability or illness;
- They are elderly and frail;
- They have dementia;
- They have a learning disability;
- They have a mental health problem.
What kinds of abuse are we talking about?
Abuse can take many forms, for example,:
- Financial abuse – stealing, fraud and pressurising vulnerable people to part with money, benefits, property or possessions;
- Physical abuse – including slapping, pinching, rough handling, over use of medication, denying food or drink;
- Sexual abuse – this can include exposing someone to pornography or being made to watch indecent acts as well as rape or unwanted touching;
- Mental or psychological abuse – threats, insults, intimidation, harassment, stopping someone seeing friends or family, or invading their privacy. Repeatedly making someone feel unhappy or humiliated. Denying someone the right to vote or forcing them to live somewhere they don’t want to are forms of abuse;
- Neglect – refusing help when needed, locking someone in a room, poor food, poor care, poor hygiene, denying access to medical care or proper clothing, keeping someone in cold conditions;
- Institutional abuse - A culture of poor practice; through neglect or poor professional practice, as aresult of structures, policies, processes and practices within an organisation. It can occur in a care home, nursing home, acute hospital or in-patient setting.
- Discriminatory abuse - someone being treated unfairly because of race, religion or culture, disability, gender, age or sexual orientation
These are just a few examples.
Just because there is no physical injury does not mean there is no abuse.
Who abuses?
Anyone can abuse. It can be a stranger or someone well known, a family member, or a health or social care professional or voluntary worker. Sometimes loving carers can abuse because they have become stressed and exhausted. We do our best to help sensitively in these situations.
What if someone is neglecting themself?
Every adult has the right to choose their own lifestyle, even when it is not in their best interests. However when someone vulnerable neglects themselves to a point where their health and safety is seriously at risk, local health and social care agencies will work together to do their best to offer help and support. You can make a referral to the Sirona Care and Health if you are concerned about someone who is seriously neglecting themselves. Sirona Care and Health are a new organisation who is working closely with Bath and North East Somerset Council to make sure adults who are at risk are supported and protected.
I'm worried about speaking to someone - will they take the person into care?
Adults are not ‘taken into care’ except in the most exceptional circumstances prescribed by law, for example, under the Mental Health Act 1983.
We work at all times to help adults live independently at home, with support if necessary. We also support carers in their caring role.
The person I'm concerned about is in a care home - what do I do?
It makes no difference – you can report it in the same way. Where you feel that the care is unsatisfactory but does not amount to abuse, you may wish to ask to speak to the Manager of the Home first to see if the situation will be remedied. You can also report it to the Care Quality Commission, 03000 616161
What should I do if I think someone may be at risk of abuse?
You can telephone 01225 396000 and you will be directed to someone who can help you.
If possible you should try to get the person’s permission to contact us. But if this is not practically possible, you can still report the matter to us.
People can refer themselves if they wish. If you want, you can have an advocate or a representative speak on your behalf.
What will we do?
We will investigate all cases of suspected abuse with sensitivity, respecting the rights of all those concerned. We can provide help, in partnership with our colleagues in Health and other agencies to protect and support adults who have suffered abuse and neglect.
|
In an emergency, if someone is in immediate danger, dial 999. |
If your concerns are of a possible criminal nature but it is not an emergency, you can contact the Police on 101 and tell them your concerns are about a vulnerable adult.
The person I am concerned about is not disabled. What can I do?
If the person you think is being abused is not disabled, you can encourage them to seek help from the police, or report it to the police yourself. There are specialist police officers trained in domestic violence work. Other useful numbers are:
Helpful telephone numbers / websites:
Sirona Care and Health - 01225 396000
Emergency Duty team - 01454 615165
Action on Elder Abuse - 08088088141
Childcare Duty Desk - 01225 396313
Southside Family Project - 01225 331243
Victim Support - 0845 4566099