Blind Eye Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Campaign

It’s easy to turn a blind eye to abuse, don’t let it be you

Did you know that one in forty people over 65, living in private households in Cumbria are likely to have experienced mistreatment (such as neglect or abuse) from a family member, carer or neighbour during the last 12 months?

This statistic is based on research figures from the largest study of adult abuse conducted in England and Wales. However, it is believed that such cases are rarely reported so the real numbers could be far higher.

• In Cumbria, almost 400 cases of adult abuse and neglect were reported last year but we think this is just the tip of the iceberg.
• Adult abuse and neglect can happen anywhere. The people who are most at risk are those aged over 65 and people with learning disabilities.
• Most often it is happening in the individual’s own home and is being carried out by a person they know very well.    

In Cumbria last year:

• Nearly half of the vulnerable adults who have been abused were physically assaulted by someone close to them.

• More than a quarter of all the abuse of vulnerable adults was theft or fraud.
  

Did you know that:

• Although there is specific legislation to protect children and animals from abuse and neglect, there is no specific law protecting adults as yet? 
• There is, however, a great deal of pressure to introduce such legislation and the Government are currently considering this. For more information see the Action on Elder Abuse website.    

Cumbria County Council, the Police, the NHS and other partners on the Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board are working together to enable all adults in Cumbria, who are or may be eligible for community care services, to live a life free from abuse and neglect and retain independence, well being and choice. 

Abuse and neglect can only be reduced if awareness is raised and people feel confident about what to do if they have concerns about someone they know. 

The Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board is launching a new ‘Blind Eye Cumbria’ campaign, highlighting the impact of abuse on vulnerable adults in Cumbria. A series of posters have been sent to a wide range of organisations and public places. We are keen to get these displayed and if you would like copies, you can download them from this webpage or request hard copies. This web page complements the poster campaign and aims to raise awareness of abuse and neglect in Cumbria. 

Abuse come in many forms, it may be physical, emotional, financial, sexual, discriminatory or institutional. 

The Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Multi Agency Policy and Procedures (PDF 790kb) provide more information on what to look for and what to do if abuse or neglect is suspected, witnessed or disclosed. 

Partners on the Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board train their staff to recognise the signs and indicators of potential abuse and to ensure that they know what they should do if they witness or are informed of any abuse or neglect.

All partners are required to have a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ to adult abuse and neglect and their staff have a crucial role in improving services for adults in Cumbria. They are in a unique position to be able to raise concerns of potential abuse or neglect. 

The aim of the ‘Blind Eye Cumbria’ campaign is to raise awareness about this important issue amongst members of the public.

This year, the Mid Staffordshire Hospital case highlighted widespread institutional abuse which had not been reported as abuse. It was only uncovered when the Health Care Commission queried unreasonably high mortality rates. The organisation Public Concern at Work offer confidential advice and information on 0207 4046 609 to ‘whistle blowers’ and anyone concerned about malpractice in the workplace. 

Cumbria County Council’s Safeguarding Adults Team offer advice, information and consultation to practitioners and managers and deal with queries from the public, outside agencies and the voluntary sector on safeguarding issues. They can be contacted on 01539 713398 or by email at safeguardingteam@cumbriacc.gov.uk.

Safeguarding adults in Cumbria is everyone’s business and we need your help to reduce abuse and neglect. Please circulate and display the posters, anywhere you can, to help us raise awareness.