ABUSE OF VULNERABLE ADULTS: WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

WHAT IS ABUSE?

Ways in which vulnerable adults are mistreated, harmed and exploited:

• Physical Abuse
• Financial Abuse
• Emotional or Psychological abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Neglect

VULNERABLE ADULTS

Most vulnerable adults who experience abuse are:

• Older people who are dependent on the help of others
• People with learning disabilities
• People with physical or sensory disabilities
• People with mental health problems

WHERE DOES ABUSE HAPPEN?

People are abused in all sorts of places; most commonly in:

• their own homes
• care homes
• day services
• hospitals

WHO INVESTIGATES?

Investigations of allegations are conducted by Social Services Departments, the Police or jointly.  If alleged abuse is in a care home, a Homes Inspector will also be involved.

WHAT SHOUILD YOU DO?

If you suspect that a vulnerable adult is being abused you should:

• consider if the person is in IMMEDIATE DANGER, for example of a serious assault.  
• If so, you should telephone the police on 999
• If not, telephone either the Social Services Department or the Police at one of the numbers below: