Safeguarding adults from abuse

In recent years there has been increased publicity about adult abuse. This has resulted in increased awareness and now more and more people are aware that vulnerable adults may be at risk of abuse or harm.

Local authorities work together with the police, local health services and private and voluntary agencies  to try to prevent abuse occurring and to stop it when it happens.

This page gives information on adult abuse: who is at risk, the types of abuse they face, who might be an abuser and what to do if you are being abused or are concerned that someone you know is at risk.

The Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures were updated on 1st September 2008. A copy of the current policy and procedures can found at the bottom of this page.

What is abuse?

Abuse is any behaviour towards a person that causes him or her harm, endangers life or violates their rights. It can happen to men and women.

Abuse might be:

• Physical eg shaking or slapping someone
• Sexual eg any sexual act to which the person has not consented
• Psychological e.g. threats of harm or abandonment, humiliation, intimidation, verbal abuse
• Financial eg stealing someone's money or denying them access to their money or possessions
• Neglect eg ignoring someone's medical or care needs, withholding food
• Discriminatory eg racist or sexist abuse and harassment

Who could be abused or at risk?

• Any vulnerable adult can be at risk of abuse or harm
• People can be abused in their own home, in residential and nursing homes, in day centres, at work, in hospitals, police stations and in public places

Who could be an abuser?

• A partner, child or relative, or other household member
• A friend or neighbour
• A volunteer worker
• A health or social worker
• A member of staff in a residential or nursing home or sheltered housing scheme
• Another vulnerable adult
• Anyone else who has contact with a vulnerable adult

What should I do?

If you feel that you are being abused or know a person you believe is at risk, then it is important to tell someone. You can contact any of the agencies listed below and they will be able to offer you help and support.

Looking after a vulnerable adult can be difficult. Carers can feel isolated and stressed. If you are worried that you might harm a vulnerable adult you are caring for it is important that you talk to someone. You can contact any of the agencies listed below and they will be able to offer you help and support.

If you work with vulnerable adults you may be worried about the consequences of reporting abuse but it is important that you tell someone what is happening. The person concerned may not be able to report the abuse themselves and may rely upon you to voice your concerns. You will be offered advice and support by the agencies listed.

Who can I contact?

• Wokingham Social Services for Adults - Telephone: 0118 974 6800

• Community Mental Health Team - Telephone: 0118 989 0707

• Learning Disabilities Team - Telephone: 0118 974 6832
  or read information on bullying and abuse. 

• Emergency Duty Team - Telephone: 01344 786 543

• Safeguarding Adults Co-ordinator - Telephone: 0118 974 6903

• Berkshire Women’s Aid - Telephone: 0118 950 4003

• Police - Telephone: 0845 850 5505

• Commission for Social Care Inspection - Telephone 01622 724950

National organisations

• Action on Elder Abuse - Telephone: 0808 808 8141

Available 10am – 4.30pm

• Public Concern at Work - Telephone: 0207 404 6609

Available 9am – 6pm Monday – Friday

• The Carers line - Telephone: 0808 808 7777

DOLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards)

All managing authority forms can be found on the Department of Health website.

For advice and support relating to DOLS, please contact us either via email dols@wokingham.gov.uk or telephone 0118 974 6937.