Safeguarding adults week
Released: 22 October 2007
Most vulnerable adults suffering abuse do so at the hands of a family member - that’s the stark warning from members of the councils Adult Protection Unit, who will be raising awareness of the help available to combat the problem during Safeguarding Adults Week starting Monday, 12 Nov.
Adult protection manager Irene White said: “Most of the vulnerable adults we deal with have been abused by a family member. It is unusual for us to deal with abuse by a perfect stranger.
“Fortunately, we are able to help in most of those cases in which some sort of abuse is involved”, she added.
The city council works with the police, Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust, hospitals, district nurses, GPs and other bodies like Age Concern to protect vulnerable people aged over 18 from violence and abuse.
People at risk include those with physical disabilities, impaired sight or hearing, learning difficulties, mental health problems and elderly people suffering from physical frailty, dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.
They can become victims of physical, psychological or sexual abuse, neglect and even criminal activities such as theft – and, sadly, most who suffer mistreatment do so at the hands of someone they know and trust.
Safeguarding Adults Week, which runs from Monday, 12 November, aims to highlight the help available. Members of the Adult Protection Unit and its partners will be hosting a display in the Wulfrun Centre.
The unit relies largely on concerned members of the public to report suspected cases of abuse to them. Last year they dealt with 425 referrals – up 61% on the previous year.
“This suggests that more people are becoming aware of our service, rather than an increase in vulnerable adults being abused in Wolverhampton,” said Mrs White.
“Most cases are reported by concerned neighbours, carers or relatives, though some cases are picked up by other agencies such as health professionals.
“We work together both to identify cases of concern and provide the support needed by vulnerable adults”, she added.
The intervention of professionals often leads to the person suspected of abuse changing the way they behave or communicate with the vulnerable adult and the problem is resolved.
More serious cases can result in prosecution or measures to prevent the perpetrator having any more contact with their victim.
And the Adult Protection Unit also has powers to investigate ‘institutional abuse’ – when a number of complaints are made about the treatment of vulnerable people in places like residential homes and hospitals.
If you are concerned about a vulnerable adult, contact the Adult Protection Unit on 01902 553218 or see the display at the Wulfrun Centre during Safeguarding Adults Week, which begins on Monday, 12 November.
Issued by the press office.