Something we are not seeing
Most people have heard of child abuse and the many forms it can take. Abuse of adults is not so well known but happens more than many of us realise. Older people, people with a physical disability, people with a learning disability and people who are mentally ill can be just as vulnerable to abuse as children and young people.

This page tells you about the different types of abuse of vulnerable adults, how you can report your concerns, and what taction is then taken.

Your concerns may be about someone you think is a victim of abuse or about someone you think may be abusing a vulnerable adult.

Adults who are vulnerable:

• usually depend on others to care for them.
• are victims of abuse in places such as their own home, in a carer's home, in a day centre or a care home.

People who abuse:

• are usually well known to their victims but can be strangers.
  may be a husband, wife, partner, child or relative, friend or neighbour, paid or volunteer worker, health or social care worker.
• sometimes do not realise they are doing it.
• sometimes do so because of the stress involved in caring and act out of character.

Recognising abuse
Adult abuse varies, the most common types are:

• Physical abuse: this is usually the use of force to cause pain or injury. As a result you may see signs such as physical injuries, burns or bruising which cannot be easily explained.
  Neglect: this is when basic needs are not being met leading to a deterioration in appearance or health.
• Sexual abuse: this is the involvement in sexual activities which are not wanted or understood by the vulnerable adult. Signs of this might be changes in behaviour or physical discomfort.
• Financial abuse: this is the exploitation of a vulnerable adult for financial gain. Signs of this might be valuables going missing in the home, or a change in the financial circumstances of a vulnerable adult which cannot be easily explained.
  Emotional abuse: this is behaviour that has a harmful effect on the emotional health and development of a vulnerable adult. Signs of this might be fear, confusion or disturbed sleep.

Reporting abuse
If there is danger, first ensure the safety of the vulnerable adult. Call emergency services if immediate help is necessary.

You should always contact

• Wandsworth Adult Services Access Team (020) 8871 7707
• Learning Disability Team (020) 8700 0487
• Community Mental Health Team (020) 8767 3411

Email: safeguardingadults@wandsworth.gov.uk

A worker from Adult Services will arrange an investigation into the alleged abuse using our inter-agency guidelines.

If abuse has occurred or is suspected then we will ensure that action is taken to try and safeguard the vulnerable adult in the future. Where it appears a criminal offence has been committed, the Police may be informed.

If suspected abuse occurs in a care home, the unit registering the home will carry out a joint investigation with social workers. Remember your response matters

A comprehensive inter-agency set of guidelines and procedures for safeguarding vulnerable adults in the borough is available from CareLine alternatively you can download from here.

 Inter-agency guidelines (617 kb)

Information on health and social care is available from CareLine who are open from 10am to 8pm every weekday and on Saturday mornings from 10am to 1pm on (020) 8875 0500 Ask CareLine about other Social Services leaflets. If you want more copies of this leaflet ring CareLine. Visit CareLine at www.careline.org.uk