Vulnerable adults

Safeguarding vulnerable adults from abuse

Vulnerable adults are at risk of a variety of forms of abuse and neglect, a majority of which goes unreported. A vulnerable adult is a person over the age of eighteen who may not able to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation and this may be due to age, illness or lifestyle. They may have difficulties in expressing feelings or making their wishes known, making them more susceptible to abuse.

This is not just a local issue but a national one.

Most people will have heard about child abuse and child protection but may have not heard about the abuse of vulnerable adults such as the elderly, adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems.

Some of you may have heard the term protection of vulnerable adults, but this has changed nationally and the term safeguarding is now used for both for adults and children.

All adults should be able to live free from fear and harm and have their rights and choices respected.

In Bury, we are enforcing our responsibility to safeguard vulnerable adults by developing a zero tolerance approach to abuse. Partner agencies across the borough are working together and have adopted joint procedures to ensure when suspected abuse is reported appropriate action is taken.

Working in partnership we and have launched multi agency policy and procedures with the Police, Bury Primary Care NHS Trust, Pennine Care NHS Trust, Pennine Acute NHS Trust, Greater Manchester West Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust, Probation Service, Six Town Housing, and the Strategic Housing Service, Bury Council.

BE AWARE……

Abuse can take many forms:

Physical Abuse – hitting, punching, kicking, slapping;

Sexual Abuse – kissing, unwanted touching, carrying out sexual acts;

Psychological Abuse – intimidation, isolation, humiliation, harassment;

Financial Abuse – theft, fraud, misuse of money by someone who is trusted; and

Neglect – the needs of a dependent person are not met;

Anyone can be an abuser – relative, volunteer, paid staff that provide care and services, neighbours and strangers.

Abuse can take place anywhere – at home, in a public place, day centres, in a care / nursing home.

If you suspect abuse is happening – Report It

You may be worried about an adult because of what you have seen, or heard or been told. If this makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy about the care of an adult you need to seek some further advice.

Contact us:

Adult Social Care Services:
0161 253 7190 – (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm)
0161 253 6606 – (Monday to Friday 6pm – 8am, 24/7 on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, contact the emergency duty Social Worker)

Greater Manchester Police:
0161 872 5050

Emergency Services
999
If you feel the problem is very serious and warrants immediate action (for example if a person is in imminent risk of harm) you should contact the police.

If you would like further information or advice contact:

Safeguarding Adults Coordinator:
0161 253 5600 – (Monday to Friday)