Safeguarding Adults in Cumbria

What is abuse? 

Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. It may consist of a single act or repeated acts. It may: 

• be physical, verbal or psychological;
• be an act of neglect or an omission to act;
• occur when a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter into a financial or sexual transaction to which he or she has not consented, or cannot consent. 

Abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of, the person subjected to it. 

Who are vulnerable adults?

A vulnerable adult is any person aged 18 or over who: 

• is, or may be, in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and
• is or may be unable to take care of him or herself; or 
• is unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation. 

What is being done?

Statutory, voluntary and independent sector agencies have collaborated to produce a set of guidelines and procedures for the protection of vulnerable adults at risk of abuse (see 'Key documents' box on the right). It is the policy of those agencies to uphold the right of vulnerable adults to protection from harm and exploitation. This will be achieved by policies and procedures that aim to: 

• prevent the abuse of vulnerable adults;
• increase awareness and recognition of the problem; 
• take action when abuse is suspected to safeguard the person from further harm; 
• establish respect for the rights of vulnerable adults to privacy, dignity, independence, choice and fulfilment;
• provide full information, competent assessment and appropriate services to vulnerable adults and their carers; and
• ensure staff who work with vulnerable people will be offered appropriate training, support and supervision. 

What should I do if I suspect a vulnerable adult is being abused?

The agencies agreeing the procedures acknowledge an individual’s right to a life which maintains their independenand involves a degree of risk. Where the individual chooses to accept this risk, their wishes should be respected within the context of their capacity to understand the nature of the decision and its implications. 

Every incident of alleged or suspected abuse should be taken seriously. Some will be so serious that they must be referred directly to the Police for them to conduct the investigation. Others will be best dealt with through disciplinary procedures, supervision and relevant training. In all cases where abuse is suspected, the matter should be reported. Decisions by staff regarding whether or not to report concerns of abuse or mistreatment are not a matter of individual conscience, but are considered a professional duty.