Safeguarding Adults

All adults have the right to be safe from harm and should be able to live free from fear of abuse, neglect and exploitation. Vulnerable adults are being physically, psychologically, financially or sexually abused, discriminated against or neglected by others - every day. Every day there are people who witness this and say or do nothing.

Who is a Vulnerable Adult?

Someone:

• 18 years or older • In need of extra support because they are elderly, have a learning difficulty, physical disability, sensory impairment or mental health need and is or may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm.

What is Abuse?

Any action or omission that harms another person - it can be: • The result of single or repeated acts • Accidental or as the result of lack of knowledge or understanding • Done with intent to harm

• Against the law The effects of abuse on the victim are the same, whatever the intention of the perpetrator.

What forms can abuse take?

• Physical – hitting slapping, punching, burning, pushing, kicking, locking someone in a room, threatening to harm some one • Psychological –shouting, swearing, bullying, taunting, humiliating or ignoring someone, making them feel frightened or afraid

• Sexual – forcing someone to take part in a sexual act against their will, inappropriate touching

• Financial or material – misusing, withholding or taking someone’s money, property or other belongings, without their agreement or consent. • Neglect or acts of Omission – leaving someone with no food, heating, or refusing to take care of personal needs, or give medication which means the person suffers • Discriminatory – ill treatment or harassment based on the person’s age, gender, sexuality, disability, religious belief or race • Institutional – where care practices are based on the staff or organisations needs instead of the individuals concerned.

Where does abuse take place?

Abuse can happen anywhere: • In someone’s own home • At a carer’s home • A day centre • In nursing and care homes • In hospital or other health centres/surgeries • At work or in an educational setting • In a public place or in the community

Who abuses adults?

Anyone can be an abuser: • Partner, or family members • A friend or neighbour • A paid or volunteer carer • Paid staff, health or social care workers • Other service users, patients, residents etc. • A stranger What should you do if you have concerns that you or someone you know may be at risk from abuse or is being abused?

• If anyone is injured get a doctor or ambulance • If you think a crime has been committed contact the police straight away • You can share your concerns with your doctor, nurse, social or health worker, housing officer, advice centre (CAB) and ask them to refer your concerns to the appropriate people • Anyone can ring the council’s Adult Contact

Team for confidential advice or information • If you want you can have an advocate or representative to speak on your behalf • If you are worried about giving your name you can discuss this with the person you speak to.

What can be done about abuse?

Doncaster Safeguarding Adults Board has procedures in place to make sure that any concern or allegation of abuse is taken seriously and dealt with sensitively and professionally. Contact Details: Police: 0114 220 2020 for reporting criminal acts. Safeguarding Adults Unit: 01302 736296 for advice and information. Adult Contact Team: 01302 737391 for information and Safeguarding Adults referrals. Health Care Commission: 0845 601 3012 for concerns relating to hospital and clinic settings (including private services).