Identifying abuse
The adults may,
- Be elderly and frail because of ill-health, disability or condition such as dementia
- Have a learning disability
- Have a physical disability, blind or deaf
- Have mental health needs including dementia or personality disorders
- Have a long term illness or condition
- Be a Carer of a family/friend and being abused
- Not have capacity to make decisions and needs care and support
The abuse may be,
- A single or series of actions of abuse
- Deliberate or unknowingly causing harm
- A failure to protect people from abuse
Abuse can be carried out by different people. It is usually someone who is known and trusted, such as,
- Family member/spouse
- Care workers or volunteers
- Friend/Neighbour
- Anyone else with access to the vulnerable adult
Abuse can occur in many circumstances,
- Own home
- Care home
- Hospital
- Day centre
- Public place
Signs of abuse
- Changes in the person's behaviour or mood/personality
- Unexplained injury or a series of injuries
- Signs of fear or distress
- Signs of neglect
- Theft, fraud or unexplained financial worries