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A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years or over who may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself from harm or exploitation. This may be because of a mental health problem, a disability, sight or hearing loss, frailty, illness, or a dependency on drugs or alcohol.

Abuse can happen anywhere, in a person’s own home, in a residential or nursing home or in a day centre or hospital. A vulnerable adult may be at risk from people they know such as a relative, friend, neighbour or paid carer. Abuse can manifest in many forms:

• Physical - hitting, slapping and pushing
• Psychological - shouting or swearing, humiliating, ignoring or harassing
• Sexual - unwanted touching, kissing and sexual intercourse
• Financial - money or property taken without consent or under pressure
• Neglect – failure to provide care or to seek medical treatment, denied privacy, choice and social contact.
• Discriminatory - Involves treating a person in a way that does not respect their needs including race, culture and ethnic background, age, sex, religion, disability and sexuality.

If you are concerned that a vulnerable adult may be a victim of abuse please do not ignore it. You can telephone any of the contact numbers listed under “Who to contact” for advice and support. Your concerns will be dealt with in a confidential manner.

If someone is in physical danger, ensuring their safety will be of the utmost importance. In response to referrals, trained staff will carry out a careful and sensitive enquiry. Information and advice will be offered so that the person and their family can make an informed choice about any practical help they need or action they wish to take. If they are unable to make an informed choice, care will be taken to support and protect them. Remember, there can be No Silence and No Secrets when it comes to the abuse of vulnerable adults. Safeguarding Adults is everybody’s business.

You can also let us know your concerns by clicking on the 'application for service' link below. All information provided will remain confidential.

If you would like to register a concern regarding safeguarding adults from abuse, please contact the relevant team by clicking on the link below.

Safeguarding adults contacts

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