Falkirk Council

Most adults with mental illness, physical or learning disabilities or other special needs manage to live their lives comfortably and securely. They either do this independently or with assistance from carers, relatives, friends, professionals or volunteers. However, for a small number, dependence on someone may produce conflict, exploitation or harm.

 

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The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 was introduced to protect people at risk of being harmed. This is because some people may find it more difficult to stop harm happening to them. The Act calls people in this situation 'adults at risk'.

Harm (or abuse) can take many forms including physical, emotional, financial or sexual harm. It could also include neglect and acts of omission.

 

Who is an adult at risk of harm?

An adult (any individual aged 16 or over) who:

 

• Is unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights or other interests
• Is at risk of harm
• Is affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity, and is more vulnerable to being harmed than adults who are not so affected.

 

What is meant by 'risk of harm'?

An adult is at risk of harm in relation to the above if:

 

• Another person's conduct is causing (or is likely to cause) the adult to be harmed
• The adult is engaging (or is likely to engage) in conduct, which causes (or is likely to cause) self harm.

What is harm?

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 introduces new measures to identify and protect adults who may be at risk of harm or neglect and who may not be able to protect themselves.

Physical harm

Slapping, punching, biting, hitting, shaking and kicking are all forms of physical harm.

Psychological harm

Psychological harm includes being humiliated, intimidated, shouted at, threatened, bullied or constantly criticised.
It can also mean being controlled by someone, ignored or left alone.

Neglect

Neglect involves denying medical or physical care, access to a doctor or other services. It could be denying someone medication, food or heating, privacy or dignity. It can also mean self-neglect.

Financial harm

Financial harm can lead to someone feeling under pressure to hand over money or possessions. It can involve exploitation of property or welfare benefits or stopping someone getting their money or possessions, stealing, cheating or fraud. Being under pressure to re-write a will.

Sexual harm

Sexual harm includes any sexual activity that a person doesn't feel comfortable with, want or understand including photographing, sexual harassment, voyeurism.

How might I know if an adult is at risk of harm?

There are a number of ways this might come to light. For example, a statement or comment by the adult themselves, or by their carer or someone else, disclosing or suggesting harm or neglect. Or it might be something you have seen or heard.  It might be in relation to a specific incident, a pattern of events or a more general situation.

Many other factors could indicate harm or neglect including:

Physical harm

• unexplained or unusual injuries
• a delay in seeking treatment for injuries or illness
• sudden increase in confusion
• unexplained deterioration of health or appearance
  misuse of medication, that is, not giving medicines properly

Psychological harm

• people being anxious or afraid
• unexplained changes of behaviour, becoming
  anxious or withdrawn, fear of another person
• pressure by family or professionals to have someone moved into, or taken out of, care
• hostile or unkind behaviour by a person

Financial harm

• unexplained debt, not paying bills for services
• another person using the adult's possessions, bank account or property without his or her informed consent

Neglect

• not having their basic needs met, such as adequate food or heating
• not being provided with adequate information about their rights or entitlements, or being misinformed
• the adult at risk not receiving appropriate care, which would protect them from harm

Sexual harm

• fear of being left with a specific person or group of people
• unexplained changes of behaviour, becoming anxious or withdrawn, fear of another person

 

Who can be a perpetrator of harm?

 

Anyone can harm - a perpetrator can be any person, such as a member of staff in a health/care setting, a carer, relative, spouse/partner, friend or neighbour, volunteer, or stranger.

 

Where can harm happen?

 

Harm can happen anywhere including the family home, a hospital ward, care home, day centre, social clubs, at work or in a public place.

 

Are you being harmed?

 

If you are unable to protect yourself from being harmed it is important to tell someone. Everyone has a right to be safe.  Remember, if someone is harming you then they may be doing it to others too.

 

Do you know someone who is being harmed?

 

If you think you know someone who is being harmed, is suffering from neglect or is at risk of being harmed, you must tell someone. Remember, the person being harmed may not be able to report it.

 

Who should I contact?

 

If you are being harmed or someone you know is being harmed or is suffering from neglect, it is important to tell someone. Everyone has a right to be safe. Even if it happened many years ago, it is still important to report it.
Anyone wishing to report an adult at risk or look for advice should contact the local council Social Work services who will assist you. You can also speak to a health professional or the police. They will take your concerns seriously.

• Social Work Services (Community Care)
  Falkirk Council
  Telephone: 01324 506070
  Out of hours telephone: 0845 277 7000

 

More information is available from the following links: