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What is abuse?
Abuse is the "violation of an individual's human and civil
rights by any other person or persons" Abuse can take many
different forms. This can include sexual, physical, financial,
psychologiical, being discriminated against or neglect.
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Who is an "adult at risk of abuse"?
An adult at risk of abuse is a person who is 18 or over and who
may be unable to: • Take care of themselves • Speak out for
themselves • Protect themselves against abuse or exploitation
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Who abuses?
Anyone can be an abuser. This includes relatives, partners,
people paid to provide care and services, volunteers, neighbours,
friends, strangers and other service users. Most abusers are people
close to the adult who are loved and trusted by them. However, some
people will deliberately abuse adults they see as an easy
target.
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Where does it take place?
Abuse can take place anywhere. This includes the adult at risk
of abuses' own home, regardless of whether they live alone or with
another person. It may occur within nursing, residential or day
care settings, in hospitals, custodial situations, by support
services into the adults home, and other places previously assumed
safe. It may also occur in a public place.
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What do I do if I think an adult at risk is being
abused?
You may be being abused yourself and need help to stop it. You
may be concerned about someone you know because they have told you
something, or you have seen or heard something that makes you feel
uncomfortable or uneasy. In these circumstances, it is very
important that you tell someone.
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Who can help?
If you or the person who you have concerns about is in immediate
danger you should contact the Police. If this is not the case, it
is still important to report your concerns as soon as possible.
During office hours you should contact Care Connect on 01275
888801. In the evenings and at weekends you should contact the
Emergency Duty Team on 01454 615165. They will deal with any
immediate issues that need to be addressed, and pass a report of
the incident to Care Connect. You will be asked for basic
information about the person you are concerned about and what you
have been told, heard, seen or suspect. You will be asked to give
your name so that you can be kept informed. Your name will not be
shared without your permission. You could share your concerns with
a doctor, nurse or health worker, housing officer or advice centre
(CAB), and ask them to contact Social Services for you.
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What will happen when I have reported it?
You will be listened to and your concerns will be taken
seriously. Information will be treated as confidential. There may
be occasions when some information will need to be shared. This
will happen when it is considered to be in the best interests of
the adult at risk of abuse or for the protection of the general
public. The North Somerset Safeguarding Adults Partnership has
procedures for the staff of its partner organisations to follow.
North Somerset Council has the lead responsibility to co-ordinate
the response. Work will be undertaken with the vulnerable adult to
decide upon the best course of action and they will be informed of
the outcome of any action taken. The aim will be to ensure the
abuse stops and does not happen again.
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