Would you know what to do if a vunerable adult was being harmed or neglected?
This section is to highlight to people what abuse is, how it can be identified and reported to ensure people get the help they need to stay safe and independent
What is abuse?
Abuse is behaviour towards a person that deliberately or unintentionally causes harm. It is a disregard of a person’s human rights and in the worse case can endanger life.
Abuse can be physical, sexual, financial, psychological, institutional, neglectful or discriminatory.
What are the signs of abuse?
General signs that someone has been or is being abused include:
- Unexplained injury / repeated visits to a GP or the Accident and Emergency Department of a hospital
- Signs of distress
- Withdrawal or isolation
- Unexplained pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease
- Self neglect or basic physical and emotional needs not being met by others
- Not able to pay bills or buy food even though enough money appears to be available.
Which adults are at risk of abuse?
‘Adults at risk’ are people aged 18 years and over. They may:
- Rely on other people or services to care for them or support them with day to day tasks, may be because of their age, a physical or learning disability, other physical or mental health need or involvement in substance misuse.
- Lack mental capacity.
- Not be able to speak up for themselves.
Where might abuse happen?
Abuse can happen anywhere; in people’s own homes, public places, day centres, residential homes, hospitals, GP surgeries, colleges, police stations and prisons.
Who abuses?
Anyone can be an abused including, professionals, volunteers, trades people, family members, carers, partners, friends and neighbours.
How to report it
Adult abuse and neglect is everyone’s business. If you suspect a vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected please call or email the below contacts for advice and information.
Coventry City Council ‘Safeguarding Adults’ Team
Tel: 024 7683 3800
safeguarding.adults.team@coventry.gov.uk