Support services for adults who are at risk of abuse

Most adults with mental illness, physical or learning disabilities or other special needs manage to live their lives comfortably and securely. They either do this independently or with assistance from carers, relatives, friends, professionals or volunteers. However, for a small number, dependence on someone may produce conflict, exploitation or abuse.

Who is a vulnerable adult?

A vulnerable adult is someone who is 16 years or older and who because of disability, illness or frailty may be unable to protect themselves from abuse, exploitation or neglect.

All adults could be considered potentially vulnerable from time to time but the focus here is on adults who are in need of community care and/or health services. They may be unable to take care of themselves or be unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.

What is abuse?

Abuse can happen in different ways and may include:

physical - hitting or shaking someone
sexual - any sexual activity that a person doesn't understand or want
psychological - threats of harm, being left alone, humiliation, intimidation or verbal abuse
financial - stealing, fraud, pressure to hand over or sign over property or money, misuse of property or welfare benefits, or stopping someone getting their money or possessions
neglect - failure to provide medical or physical care, access to a doctor or other services or denying someone medication, food or heating
discrimination - because of age, colour, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation
information - withholding information or advice about rights or entitlements.

Who can be an abuser?

Anyone can abuse - an abuser or perpetrator can be any person, such as a member of staff in a health/care setting, a carer, relative, spouse/partner, friend or neighbour, volunteer or other service user.

Where can abuse happen?

Anywhere - this could be in the family home or any type of social or health care setting e.g. hospital ward, care home, day service, social club, respite service etc.

What to do?

If you are worried that you or someone you know may be or has been abused, it is important to tell someone. Please contact your local Social Work office as a matter of priority. You can also speak to a health professional or the police.

Annual Report 2006-07

The annual report of the Vulnerable Adult Protection Committee 2006-07 is now available (pdf 644kb). An easy read summary has also been published (pdf 192kb).

Where can I get more information?

A multi-agency group consisting of representatives from health, the police and local authorities in the Lothian and Borders area have produced the following information:

Protecting Vulnerable Adults - Ensuring Rights and Preventing Abuse (pdf 220Kb) - these guidelines have been distributed to all people working in health and social care settings across the Lothian and Borders to provide a consistent framework for partner agencies to follow. They are currently being revised following implementation of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007. Until this revision is completed, please refer to our Interim Interagency Guidelines (pdf 385kb).
Abuse - It Happens to Adults Too (pdf 220kb) - this information leaflet explains what abuse is and who to contact if you have concerns.