If you're concerned about an adult at risk of harm, please read the following information which explains how to recognise abuse and what to do when abuse is suspected and witnessed.
You can also download the 'Forth Valley Inter-agency guidelines' (PDF, 139KB)|, which provides information in relation to adult protection within the Forth Valley area. These procedures were issued in 2005 and will be updated once the new Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 is implemented, predicted to be October 2008.
Who is a vulnerable adult?
A vulnerable adult is someone who is, over 16 years, and who may be, in need of community care services, or hospital care, by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness, and who is or may be, unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against harm or exploitation.
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What is abuse?
The violation or neglect of a vulnerable adult. It can be a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust. Inequality of power is central to all forms of abuse. Abuse is a violation of an individual's human and civil rights by any other person/persons.
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Where can abuse happen?
In any social or health care setting, for example, the family home, hospital ward, care home, day services or social clubs.
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Who can be an abuser?
Abuser or perpetrator can be a member of staff in a health/care setting, a carer, relative, spouse/partner, friend, volunteer, or any other person.
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Need for protection
Adults may be in need of protection if they, for example:
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have unusual or unexplained injuries, appear afraid quiet or withdrawn (physical abuse)
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have been involved in actions or acts to which they could not, or did not, consent to (sexual abuse)
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have unexplained debt, not paying bills for services, sale of possessions, misuse of bank account by another (financial or material abuse)
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appear hostile, fear of another person (psychological abuse)
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are found at home or in a care setting in a situation of serious risk, there is unexplained deterioration in health, may be deprived of adequate food or heating (neglect and acts of omission)
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experience prejudicial actions or remarks about age, gender,disability,race colour,sexual or religious orientation (discriminatory abuse)
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are forced to conform to routine. Involving the imposition of values and standards which meet the needs of the service or staff rather than the individual (institutional abuse)
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What you should you do?
If you suspect, or witness abuse of any form you should report it. You should not ignore minor signs of abuse as any delay could mean that the person is subject to a longer period of ill treatment. You should remember to treat the information with the respect and confidentiality it deserves. Specially trained Social Work staff will act on your concerns.
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Contact the appropriate emergency service - especially if the person is in immediate physical danger or there is evidence of physical or sexual abuse. Immediate contact is essential to ensure vital evidence is not lost.
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The emergency services are Police, Hospital, Social Work Services (and outside office hours, the Emergency Social Work Service and NHS 24)
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Describe what it was that you saw or heard and what it was that concerned you.
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Give as much information as you can about the person.
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Will you need to give your name?
Any information about you will be treated with care.
If you do not give your name, enquiries can still be made into the person's care and welfare however, withholding your name may make it more difficult for those looking into these concerns.
Any information you give may need to be shared with other professionals to ensure appropriate action is taken to protect and support the person.
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Contact numbers
Contact telephone numbers
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Service
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Telephone number
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Central Scotland Police
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01786 456000
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Emergency services
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999
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Clackmannan Council Social Services
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01259 450000
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Falkirk Council Social Services
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01324 506070
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Stirling Council Social Service
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0845 277 7000
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Social Services Emergency Duty Team
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0845 277 7000
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NHS 24
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0845 424 2424
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