Example: If a family member is financially abusing a vulnerable adult, you could find the person is also being psychologically abused, i.e. bullied/threatened for their money
Action on Elder Abuse i 2000.
Again abuse can occur anywhere at any time and be perpetrated by anybody
This was in response to public concerns about the safety of children and vulnerable adults. In the past in some cases, information was known to the police which, had it been known to the employer, should have prevented offenders from being employed and harming vulnerable people. In September 2001 Ian Huntley applied for the post of caretaker at Soham Village College, and in November 2001, despite his history of sexual contact with minors, he was awarded the position The CRB was established under Part V of the Police Act 1997 and was launched in March 2002 Holly and Jessica vanished from Soham on 4 August 2002.
For every case of sexual abuse ten cases of physical abuse came to light
Risk assessment safety
If anyone feels threatened or intimidated, they are being abused
Norbury link
Examples: an Asian woman is not given any option about what she wants to wear, such as a sari, or is refused choice about meals. In some cultures examination by a male doctor could be seen as abusive, not just distressing or unacceptable. Where a person with a disability needs one- to-one care and is not given the choice about going on holiday with the group, as there are staff shortages, and the decision is already made for them.
When we are thinking of factors which may give us an indication that someone is being abused one of the first things we may notice could be a chandge in someones behaviour
Attachments are very important to consider. They bring meaning and joy to our lives – they include attachments to our friends and families, to communities, to places, and even to objects that have taken on significance for us
there should be an open discussion between the individual and the agencies about the risks involved to him or her
In the bath
Can happen at any time, out of the blue, in the bath, the person may have been trying to pluck up courage for a long time or reached breaking point, at the point of disclosure, the person is trusting you to help them out of their predicament.
See listening skills handout
( it is important to avoid unnecessary stress and repetition for the person concerned). this may be done during any subsequent investigation (depending on which is sharing the information with you). Do not talk to other staff members or service users about the information shared with you, e.g. 'It's awful, you'll never guess what I've just been told'.
this will obviously be very difficult as the person is obviously going to be very distressed.
Usually carried out by nurses but carers may be involved if neccessary