Safeguarding – the story for adults
There has been a lot of publicity recently about keeping children safe and quite rightly so. This is a vital responsibility for everyone but it’s important to remember that adults can be abused too. Here in Islington we are working in partnership across the borough in housing, social care, health and police to safeguard vulnerable adults. You can help.
Some grown-ups are more vulnerable than others because they have disabilities, mental health, are ill for a long time or are elderly. This can make it hard for them to protect themselves from abuse. They need your help because of the actions or inactions of others and the abuse they experience can be upsetting and frightening. It may be physical, sexual, emotional, institutional or financial. It might be neglect or discrimination.
Look out for some of the warning signs like bruises and abrasions that are hard to explain, people who have become quiet and withdrawn, someone who seems to be dressed in dirty or unsuitable clothes, has no money, has no say in how their money is spent, is not kept warm, clean or well nourished. People are sometimes picked on because of their age, disability, ethnicity, religion or sexuality. Vulnerable people often can’t or won’t speak up for themselves.
If you suspect that someone is neglected or abused contact the adult social services access team on 020 7527 2299 or email access.service@islington.gov.uk. But if you think the situation is urgent because someone is at immediate risk of harm, take yourself out of danger, and dial 999 for the police.
Some grown-ups are more vulnerable than others because they have disabilities, mental health, are ill for a long time or are elderly. This can make it hard for them to protect themselves from abuse. They need your help because of the actions or inactions of others and the abuse they experience can be upsetting and frightening. It may be physical, sexual, emotional, institutional or financial. It might be neglect or discrimination.
Look out for some of the warning signs like bruises and abrasions that are hard to explain, people who have become quiet and withdrawn, someone who seems to be dressed in dirty or unsuitable clothes, has no money, has no say in how their money is spent, is not kept warm, clean or well nourished. People are sometimes picked on because of their age, disability, ethnicity, religion or sexuality. Vulnerable people often can’t or won’t speak up for themselves.
If you suspect that someone is neglected or abused contact the adult social services access team on 020 7527 2299 or email access.service@islington.gov.uk. But if you think the situation is urgent because someone is at immediate risk of harm, take yourself out of danger, and dial 999 for the police.
Last updated05 May 2010