In case of emergency ring 999
Welcome to the Suffolk Adult
Safeguarding
The
Suffolk
Adult Safeguarding Board raises awareness and promotes the
welfare of vulnerable adults by the development of an effective
co-operative.
Dignity Action Day, 25th February 2010
- Invitation to take part
Suffolk County Council Adult and Community
Services will be marking Dignity Action Day on 25th February 2010
with events taking place in services across the county.
Read
more..
Adults are Abused
too...
Abuse is a violation of an individual's human or
civil rights by any other person or persons.
It is a single or repeated act or ommision, occouring within a
personal or other close relationship where there is an expectation
of trust, which causes harm to a vulnerable adult.
Abuse can take many forms, these include:
Physical: Hitting, kicking, pulling hair, pinching or
shaking, being given too much or too little medication
Financial: Stealing, being forced to pay for other people’s
things, when you don’t have a say in how you’re money is being
spent
Emotional: Name calling, being bullied, treated like a
child, ignored, blamed for things that you did not do, shouted at,
threatened
Sexual: Being touched, forced to touch someone else, made
to have sex with someone when you don’t want to, forced to do
sexual things against your will
Racial: When you are treated unfairly because of your race,
age, gender, disability, sexuality or background
Neglect: Hungry, cold, not have clean clothes to wear,
denied access to things that you need
Discrimination: when you are treated unfairly because of
your race, age, gender, disability, sexuality or background
Who is
vulnerable?
People can be vulnerable for lots of
different reasons. They may be older, have a learning, sensory, or
physical disability. They may have a mental health problem, be
lonely, feel ill or simply be overwhelmed by their
responsibilities.
Vulnerable people, unfortunately, can become a target for abusive
behaviour and practices. They are singled out because they are seen
as easy targets, less able to defend themselves or speak
up.
Abuse thrives on
secrecy
It is crucial that all professionals
and organisations discuss concerns relating to abuse. The
government used the title "No Secrets" for good reason. For abuse
to be stopped then information must be shared. We cannot keep
secrets. Many victims of abuse may find it difficult to disclose
information but they must be encouraged to speak to someone that
they can trust. Abusers don't want to be stopped but by sharing our
concerns we can protect vulnerable people from further
harm.
Who abuses vulnerable
adults?
Abuse can be
done to anybody by anyone. They may be in a professional position,
a family member, volunteer or acquaintance. In Suffolk since 2002
less than 2% of reported abuse has been perpetrated by starangers.
This implies that those who are abusers are known in some capacity
by the vulnerable person.
What should I do if I'm
worried that a vulnerable adult is being abused, or if I am being
abused?
If you are
concerned that someone is being abused or is at risk of abuse
please discuss this with your line manager.
You would then be expected to refer the reasons for your
concerns to Customer First on 08456 023023 or fill in
an online referral
If a crime has been committed then
contact Suffolk Police on 01473 613500 or Minicom users should
dial 01473 611160. In an emergency call
999
The important issue is that you do
not keep this information to yourself. Pass on your concerns
immediately.
|