What is abuse?
Abuse is about the misuse of the power and control that one person has
over another. It’s about whether harm was caused, and the impact of the harm
(or risk of harm) on the individual.
The law defines the types of abuse as:
Physical abuse
Domestic violence
Sexual abuse
Psychological abuse
Financial or material abuse
Discriminatory abuse
Modern slavery
Self-neglect
Organisational abuse
Neglect and acts of omission
For more information on these please read more >>
Who can be
affected?
Abuse can affect
adults of any age, background or disability.
Who could the
abuser be?
Vulnerable adults may
be abused by a wide range of people including
- relatives and family members
- professional staff, paid
care workers
- volunteers, other service
users
- neighbours, friends and
associates
- people who deliberately
exploit
- strangers
How can you tell
someone is being abused?
Some people may not
realise they are being abused. Often the person being harmed is not able to say
what is happening to them. Here are some warning signs that you can look for:
- Bruises, falls and injuries
- Signs of neglect such as
clothes being dirty
- Poor care either at home or
in a residential or nursing home or hospital
- Changes in someone’s
financial situation
- Changes in behaviour such as
loss of confidence or nervousness
- Isolation
- Being withdrawn
Whatever the abuse or
the setting, abuse is not acceptable and a violation of a person's basic human
rights. Adults have the right to receive support and live a life free from
abuse and neglect. Most people find it difficult to imagine that vulnerable
adults and older people are victims of abuse. It is a hidden and often ignored
problem in society. We recognise the need to protect vulnerable people from
abuse.
What can you do?
If you suspect or
witnessed an adult being abused, please tell someone
- You will be taken seriously
- Please take immediate action
and use the contact numbers below
Who can help?
If you think someone is in immediate
danger dial 999.
If it is not an emergency you can contact
the police by dialling 101
You can contact Medway Adult Social
Care:
Telephone: 01634
334 466
03000 419 191 – out of normal working hours
If you look after
someone and are concerned about them, or yourself, you can contact Carers
FIRST:
Telephone: 0300
303 1555
Email: hello@carersfirst.org.uk
Domestic Abuse:
Women's Aid and Refuge run in partnership the National Domestic Violence Freephone 24 hour helpline
Telephone 0808 2000 247
Mens' Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
Financial Abuse:
Victim Support: An independent
charity, that work towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic
events get the support they need and the respect they deserve.
Free phone: 0808
168 9 111
Self Neglect & Hoarding
Hoarding UK: HoardingUK is the
only UK-wide charity solely dedicated to supporting people affected by hoarding
behaviours. Their aim is to empower individuals experiencing hoarding
behaviours to achieve spatial and personal change, to reduce isolation and
improve their health and well-being.
Free helpline, advice
and advocacy call: 020 3239 1600
Contact the
Elderly: Contact the Elderly organises monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for
small groups of older people aged 75 and over who are dealing with loneliness
and social isolation.
www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk
Network of
volunteers 0800 716 543
Modern Slavery
Modern Slavery: Provides victims, the
public, statutory agencies and businesses access to information and support on
a 24/7 basis.
Helpline 0800
0121 700
Crimestoppers
Give information
anonymously on 0800 555 111
Salvation Army: The Salvation Army provides specialist support for all adult victims of
modern slavery in England and Wales through a government contract which was
first awarded in 2011. They deliver a specialist support programme to protect
and care for all adult victims of this heinous crime.
Helpline 24-hour
confidential referral helpline on 0300 3038151 (7 days a week)
Neglect
Age UK
Advice Line 0800
169 8787
Action on Elder Abuse: They are the only charity in
England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland working exclusively on this
issue, and they provide knowledge, expertise and support to thousands of people
every year.
Helpline: 080
8808 8141
If the person is in a care home, day centre
or has a paid carer you can complain to that provider directly.
Contact CQC www.cqc.org.uk/contactus/how-complain/complain-aboutservice-or-provider
For more information you can visit the Medway Adult Safeguarding pages
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