Adult Protection

Adult Protection

Most people have heard about child abuse and are aware that ‘Social Care Services’ has a key role in protecting children from abuse. Few people have heard about ‘adult abuse’, which is a short hand way of referring to the problem of the abuse of vulnerable adults. Nor are they aware that ‘Social Care Services’ has a key role in protecting vulnerable adults from abuse. In Peterborough ‘Social Care Services’ for adults are now provided through Adult Social Care workers employed by the NHS Peterborough.

WHO IS A ‘VULNERABLE ADULT’?

The term ‘vulnerable adult’ can mean different things in different settings. For the purpose of Adult Protection a Vulnerable Adult is a person who:

• Is aged 18 years or over

and

• Has or may have a care need (broadly defined) arising from mental or other disability, age or illness. Having ‘a care need’ means that they need someone to assist in caring for him or herself

and

• Is or may be unable to protect him or herself against harm or exploitation.

HOW CAN I TELL IF AN ADULT IS BEING ABUSED?

There are five common kinds of abusive acts:

• Physical abuse: including hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint.

• Sexual abuse: including rape and sexual assault.

• Psychological abuse: including emotional abuse, threats of harm, intimidation, harassment, verbal abuse, and isolation.

• Financial abuse: including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions; and the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.

• Neglect: including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health and social care services, and withholding medication, nutrition and heating.

WHERE DOES ABUSE TAKE PLACE?

Abuse can occur anywhere, for example:

• At home
• In Care Homes
• In Day Centres
• At work
• At college
• In hospitals or health centres/surgeries
• Public places or in the community.

WHAT DO I DO IF THERE IS A CONCERN, SUSPICION OR ALLEGATION THAT A VULNERABLE ADULT IS BEING ABUSED?

• In emergency situations seek appropriate medical attention and contact the Police, as would be done with anyone in that situation. The protection of the vulnerable adult from harm is the first priority.

• In non-urgent situations it is important that the information is reported to the Adult Social Care part of the NHS Peterborough, so that an Adult Social Care worker can play a part in planning how to respond to any specific case. This is the same as for child abuse.

• Referrals may be made during working hours through the Peterborough Direct telephone number: 01733-747474. In emergencies outside office hours contact the Emergency Duty Team Social Worker on 01733- 234724 or the Police on 01733-563232 or 0845 456 4564.

We would rather that you contact us sooner than later in the process. If we are alerted early enough it may be possible for us to act to prevent abuse taking place.

THE PETERBOUROUGH ADULT PROTECTION SYSTEM

A multi agency Adult Protection Partnership consisting of a Vulnerable Adult Protection Committee of Senior managers from across the agencies of Peterborough and a Vulnerable Adult Protection Forum of managers and workers involved with caring for vulnerable adults in Peterborough.

The Adult Protection Unit consisting of two experienced Senior Practioner Social Workers.

Adult Protection Leads within each PCT and Mental Health Trust team and each Independent Agency.

For information about the system contact the Adult Protection Unit on 01733 758 605.