Safeguarding

Vulnerable adults are people over the age of 18 who may not be able to protect themselves from harm or exploitation or take care of themselves fully due to a disability, age or illness. 

Abuse can take many forms, ranging from physical, sexual, emotional to discrimination and neglect. It is classed as a violation to a person's human and civil rights.

Anyone can be an abuser, and often it can be the person that you least expect. People who abuse could include:

• spouse / partner
  
• carer
  
• relatives
  
• neighbour
  
• someone not known to the individual

There are no ways to easily identify abuse, however, some of the signs to look out for include:

• bruising or finger marks
  
• injuries the person cannot give a good reason for
  
• loss of weight or deterioration of health for no reason
  
• changes to usual behaviour - stress, fear, withdrawal
  
• theft or unexplained financial problems

If you or the person you are concerned about is at immediate danger, then you should ring emergency services on 999.

If you or the person you are concerned about is not in immediate danger, then you should contact the council directly who may be able to intervene before the individual comes to harm.  

For more information on Abuse and Safeguarding adults, visit the NHS Choices website