Safeguarding adults
What is Abuse?
Abuse is when someone does or says things to another person to hurt, upset or make them frightened. It can consist of single or repeated acts.
Adult abuse is wrong and can happen to anyone who is 18 years of age or over.
The abuse can be committed by anyone, but is usually from someone who is in a position of trust – a relative, friend, paid worker or volunteer. A person may be experiencing more than one form of abuse.
Who is an adult at risk?
The Social Services & Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 states that an adult at risk is an adult who:
- is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect;
- has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs); and
- as a result of those needs is unable to protect themselves against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it
This definition may include an adult who needs support with their physical or emotional wellbeing, who as a result may be considered vulnerable. They may need assistance with everyday living tasks. Some examples of this could be requiring assistance with eating, dressing, managing money or going out of the house.
Abuse can happen:
- at home
- in a care home, hospital or day service
- at work or at college
- in a public place or in the community
Physical Abuse
Hitting, kicking, undue restraint, over or misuse of medication, or inappropriate sanctions
Psychological / Emotional Abuse
Threats of harm, abandonment or humiliation, controlling relationships and isolation, verbal or racial abuse
Sexual Abuse
Unwanted sexual activity which the vulnerable adult has not consented to/and or was pressured into consenting
Financial Abuse
Theft, fraud or applying pressure in relation to money or other property, having money or other property misused
Neglect
Failure to meet the everyday needs of the adult at risk, which includes a person’s basic physical, emotional, social or psychological needs, failure to access medical care or services or failure to give prescribed medication
Useful Resources
Where to get help
I am concerned about myself
All adults have the right to live in safety and free from harm. Sometimes adults might need extra help so that they can live in the best way they can, despite any illness or disability they might have.
You can contact Adult Social Services directly if you feel you need extra help and support.
Concerns about abuse
Sometimes things may go wrong, or you might feel uncomfortable with a particular situation. It might be something happening in your own home, in care settings or out and about.
Here are some different organisations you can reach out to for support:
Mental Health: Mind Cymru – Call 0300 102 1234 or 111 +2 for urgent mental health support.
Violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence: Live Fear Free Helpline – Call 0800 8010 800
Advice on benefits, health money, housing or care: Age Cymru – Call 0300 303 44 98
Wales Learning Disability Helpline: Mencap Cymru –Call 0808 8000 300
LGTB+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence: Galop – Call 0800 999 5428.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
I am a family member, carer, or friend
Family members, relatives, friends and neighbours all have an important part to play in keeping adults with care and support needs safe from abuse and neglect.
It’s not always easy to spot the symptoms of abuse. Someone being abused may make excuses for why they’re bruised, they don’t want to go out or talk to people, or they’re short of money.
If you believe an adult is in immediate danger, call 999.
I am a professional
As a professional, if you have reasonable concerns to suspect than an adult is at risk of abuse, you must report it. Adults at risk must be safeguarding to prevent and protect them from abuse or neglect.
For emergencies when an adult is in immediate danger, call 999.
Contact
Vale of Glamorgan Adult Services: 01446 700111
Cardiff Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): 02922 330888
Out of Hours: 02920 788570
I am a member of the public
Every adult has the right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
If you believe an adult is at risk of abuse:
For emergencies when an adult is in immediate danger, call 999.
Contact
Vale of Glamorgan Adult Services: 01446 700111
Cardiff Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): 02922 330888
Out of Hours: 02920 788570
