Safeguarding

There are different types and patterns of abuse and neglect and the different circumstances in which they may take place. 

Vulnerable people are particularly at risk of abuse, and below is a guide as to the sort of behaviour which could give rise to a safeguarding concern: 

Physical  

Injuries are not always caused with intent or by neglect or abuse. It can often be the case that there is no real explanation, so it is important not to jump to conclusions. However, the following may be possible indicators of abuse - 

• history of unexplained falls 

• unexplained bruising - in well protected areas or soft parts of the body or in different stages of healing 

• unexplained burns, fractures or marks on the body possibly shaped like an object 

• untreated medical problems 

• weight loss due to malnutrition or dehydration 

Sexual 

Sexual abuse is the involvement of vulnerable adults in sexual activities, which - 

• they do not fully understand so are unable to give consent to 

• they object to 

• may cause them harm 

The following list may be indicators of sexual abuse but may also be indicator to many other problems. Some of the indicators could be as -  

• sudden change in behaviour, confusion or withdrawal 

• incontinence 

• overt sexual behaviour/language by the vulnerable adult 

• self-inflicted injury 

• disturbed sleep pattern/poor concentration 

• difficulty in walking 

• torn, stained underwear 

• love bites 

• pain or itching, bruising or bleeding in the genital area 

• sexually transmitted disease / urinary tract / vaginal infection 

• bruising to upper thighs and arms 

• frequent infection 

• severe upset or agitation when being bathed etc. 

• pregnancy in a person unable to consent 

Financial 

Financial or material abuse can take the form of -  

• fraud 

• theft 

• using of the vulnerable adults property without their permission. 

• this could involve large sums of money or just small amounts from a pension or allowance each week. It is important not to jump to the wrong conclusions too quickly, however the following is a list of possible indicators of financial abuse - 

• sudden inability to pay bills 

• sudden withdrawal of money from an account or the purchase of items that the individual does not require or use, as well as unreasonable and inappropriate gifts  

• person lacks belongings that they can clearly afford 

• unwillingness to accept unnecessary expenditure by the person's relatives 

• power of attorney obtained when the person is unable to understand what they are signing 

• extraordinary interest by family members in the vulnerable adults assets 

• recent change of deeds to the house 

• the person managing the finances is evasive and uncooperative 

• reluctance to accept care services 

• personal items going missing 

Emotional or psychological 

This can include - 

• intimidation or humiliation 

• shouting or swearing 

• emotional blackmail 

• denial of basic human rights 

• using racist language 

• preventing someone from enjoying activities or meeting friends 

The following may be indicators of many different problems, it is important not to jump to the wrong conclusions too quickly. 

• ambivalence about carer 

• fearfulness, avoiding eye contact, flinching on approach 

• deference 

• insomnia or need for excessive sleep 

• change in appetite leading to unusual weight loss / gain 

• tearfulness 

• unexplained paranoia 

• low self esteem 

• confusion, agitation 

• coercion 

• distress caused by being locked in a home or car etc. 

• isolation - no visitors or phone calls allowed 

• inappropriate clothing 

• sensory deprivation 

• restricted access to hygiene facilities 

• lack of personal respect 

• carer does not offer personal hygiene, medical care, regular food/drinks 

Neglect or self-neglect 

A person can suffer because their physical and/or psychological needs are being neglected by a carer. This could include failure to keep someone warm, clean and well nourished or neglecting to give prescribed medication. The following may be evidence of neglect - 

• inadequate heating and lighting 

• poor physical condition of the vulnerable adult 

• persons clothing is ill fitting, unclean and in poor condition 

• malnutrition 

• failure to give prescribed medication properly 

• failure to provide appropriate privacy and dignity 

• inconsistent or reluctant contact with health and social care agencies 

• isolation - denying access to callers or visitors 

Self-neglect – this covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. 

Discriminatory 

Discriminatory abuse is often on the grounds of: age, gender, race, culture, religion, sexuality or disability. It also incorporates Hate crime and Mate crime. Mate crime occurs when vulnerable adults are "befriended" with the intention to abuse. 

Discriminatory abuse can be- 

• derogatory comments 

• harassment 

• being made to move to a different resource/ service based on age 

• being denied medical treatment on grounds of age or mental health 

• not providing access 

Organisational 

Organisational abuse – including neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one off incidents to ongoing ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation. 

The following list may be possible indicators of institutional abuse - 

• no flexibility in bedtime routine and/or deliberate waking 

• people left on the commode or toilet for long periods of time 

• inappropriate care of possessions, clothing and living area 

• lack of personal clothes and belongings 

• un-homely or stark living environments 

• deprived environmental conditions and lack of stimulation 

• inappropriate use of medical procedures e.g. enemas, catheterisation 

• 'batch care' - lack of individual care programmes 

• illegal confinement or restrictions 

• inappropriate use of power or control 

• people referred to, or spoken to with disrespect 

• inflexible services based on convenience of the provider rather than the person receiving services 

• inappropriate physical intervention 

• service user removed from the home or establishment, without discussion with other appropriate people or agencies, because staff are unable to manage the behaviours 

Report abuse 

If you have concerns that someone you know may be at risk of abuse or is being abused, it is very important to let us know. You can do this using the link below. 

Worried about an adult - raise a concern