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Abuse of vulnerable adults remains a very real problem in our society. It is often difficult for people to speak up about the abuse they are experiencing, particularly is family members are involved. It can also be difficult for others to speak up on their behalf. We all have a responsibility to say ‘no’ to abuse.
Hampshire County Council’s Adult Services Department is working alongside other key organisations to protect vulnerable people who may be the subject of different forms of abuse. Next week, officers will ask Executive Member for Adult Social Care Councillor Felicity Hindson to endorse a report detailing the excellent work being done to tackle abuse and confirm the priority actions for the coming year.
The report by the County’s Adult Protection and Safeguarding Committee (APC) reflects the way in which local partners are working together in taking robust and effective action when suspected abuse is reported.
Cllr Hindson said: “This report gives us clear information on what is being reported. It demonstrates that the actions we in the County Council and our partners are taking to address these issues are beginning to have an impact, I am pleased that the strong procedures and additional resources we have put in place since the last report are now impacting and are supporting people to report abuse.”
Working together for the future
The APC who produced the report includes representatives from the County Council, NHS organisations, Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Commission for Social Care Inspection, Housing groups, and independent and voluntary sector providers. Hampshire County Council is also working closely with representatives from local financial and legal organisations as well as nationally with the British Bankers Association and the Office of the Public Guardian to ensure they work closely with Local Authorities regarding Adult Protection.
“The best way to tackle abuse is to join forces with our partner organisations and work
together as a team. The APC works hard to ensure that the community is educated on adult abuse and are aware of the steps to take if abuse is suspected” Cllr Hindson added.
What the report says
The report reflects the local commitment partners have in working together to take effective action to safeguard vulnerable adults from abuse. This is demonstrated in the statistical information relating to situations of suspected abuse collated in 2007/08 by Hampshire County Council Adult Services Department some of which is set out below:.
Overall whilst there has been a 15% increase in the number of situations of suspected abuse reported within Hampshire compared to the previous year this reflects the impact of work done to raise awareness of the signs of possible abuse and how to report concerns. If situations of suspected abuse are reported to us we can work together to take action.
There has been extra investment from the County Council with additional frontline staff and more support across key agencies as a response to this 15% increase, to ensure positive action is taken.
Hampshire County Council and independent providers are working together to ensure that front line staff are trained to recognise and report abuse. Alerts initiated in care homes have in part been attributed to the increase in training for staff who are now better equipped to spot abuse to people and take appropriate action. This enables us to work together to ensure safe and quality services for service users.
22% of the referrals originate from the person being abused, their relative, friend or neighbour. This demonstrates that our efforts to raise awareness are having a positive impact and that people feel more confident to report abuse.
Amongst the statistics, the most frequent form of abuse remains physical, covering 30% of reported cases. Financial abuse is also significant accounting for 19.5% of cases. Our work with key stakeholders and financial institutions to prevent and intervene in cases of financial abuse continues, making links (along with partner agencies) to public protection agencies.as necessary
Councillor Hindson added: “Our aim is to raise awareness amongst the public and staff within in all public services helping people recognise abuse, and to provide the support to someone who suspects abuse. The fact that more cases are reported to us means that we can help more people”.
New ways of working
Since the previous report earlier this year, Hampshire County Council has made significant progress which is outlined in the current report to Councillor Hindson.
Family Group Conferences or ‘FGC’s’ is one example of our commitment to find new and innovative ways of working. The Adult Services Department in Hampshire County Council work in partnership with a voluntary organisation called ‘Daybreak’ who provide this successful service. Families meet to find solutions to problems, within a professionally supportive framework.
One particular situation saw an elderly lady being abused by her husband. Daybreak organised an FGC which brought together the couple, family and friends, social worker, GP and local police officer. All concerns were discussed openly and support offered. Despite the couple’s initial distress at having to acknowledge the situation, they both expressed a willingness to accept help and work out their problems – there has been no further abuse.
This is just one of the examples of ‘new ways of working’ that have been adopted by Hampshire County Council and partner organisations to develop the multi-agency commitment to tackle adult abuse.
“This report highlights the effective work being done to safeguard adults and the future plans for the county; I look forward to receiving it and to making my decision next week. Together we can say no to abuse”. Councillor Hindson added.
All of us can be vulnerable at times, but a ‘vulnerable adult’ is someone aged over 18 years who might be at risk of harm or being taken advantage of because of their physical or mental health.
What is abuse?
It is the violation of your human or civil rights by another person or people. It can take many different forms:
Physical abuse – e.g. you are being hit or restrained, misuse of medication
Sexual abuse – e.g. you are being harassed, teased or touched in a way you don’t like, being forced to have sex against your will
Neglect – e.g. you are not getting the food, care, or clothing you need
Psychological abuse – e.g. you are being bullied, threatened or verbally abused
Discriminatory abuse – e.g. you are being ridiculed or threatened because of your race, gender, disability, age
Financial abuse – e.g. someone is stealing from you or using your money/ possessions in a way you don’t like
Abuse can happen anywhere including:
In your own home
While you are with family and friends
While you are receiving treatment
In a day centre
In a care home (nursing home/ residential home)
In hospital
Who could be abusing you?
Your partner (husband/ wife)
A friend or relative
Someone employed to help look after you (home carer)
Someone living in the same care home, hostel, housing scheme
Someone who goes to the same day activities or centre as you
A professional worker
A stranger
Anyone can abuse!
What to do if you think someone is being abused
If you think someone is being abused, don’t assume that someone else is doing something about it. Make your concerns known to someone in authority that you feel comfortable speaking to, for example:
•The Adult Services Department at Hampshire County Council:
Please check under ‘Social Sevices’ in the telephone directory
Out of hours call: 0845 600 4555
•The owner or manager of the domiciliary care or nursing agency
•The local office of the Commission for Social Care Inspection: 0845 015 0120
•If you believe a crime has been committed, contact your local police on:
0845 045 45 45
Visit: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/adult-services/service731 for more information.
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