Safeguarding adults

We all have a right to live our lives free from harm, and most adults in Norfolk live safely and comfortably. However, some people are more at risk of harm (abuse) than others.

Adult safeguarding means protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent harm and stop it happening. At the same time, it makes sure, as far as possible, that the vulnerable person’s views, wishes, feelings and beliefs are taken into account before any actions are taken.

Abuse can happen anywhere and can be carried out by anyone. It can happen once or repeatedly. Abuse is anything that harms another person and might include:

• Physical abuse – including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication and restraint.

• Domestic abuse – including psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse; controlling or coercive behaviours: so-called

‘honour-based’ violence.

• Sexual abuse – including rape, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts, indecent exposure and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting to.

• Psychological abuse – including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks.

• Financial or material abuse – including theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements (like wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions) or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits. • Modern slavery – including slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude.

• Discriminatory abuse – including harassment or slurs because of race, gender and gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

• Organisational abuse – including neglect and poor care practice/policies within an institution or a specific care setting, like a hospital or care home or in care or support services provided in an adult’s own home.

• Neglect and acts of omission – including ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failing to provide access to appropriate health, care and support or educational services, withholding medication, adequate nutrition and heating.

• Self-neglect – including behaviour such as neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings or hoarding.

Norfolk County Council has a lead role in protecting adults from abuse where someone:

• Has needs for care and support (whether or not the County Council is meeting any of those needs), and

• Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and

• As a result of these care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect.