24/2/2010 - It's easy to turn a blind eye to abuse, don't let it be you

A new poster and website campaign is being launched in Cumbria to raise awareness about the problem of vulnerable adults being abused in a variety of different ways.

The Blind Eye campaign, which has been produced by the Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board, is designed to encourage people to report instances of abuse by not turning a blind eye to suspected abuse or neglect.

The campaign raises awareness about the extent of the problem, what the difference types of abuse or neglect can be, and gives people the confidence to report suspected cases. It focuses on the suspected abuse of people aged over 65 and people with learning disabilities as they are the categories at most risk.

Some real examples of abuse that has taken place and been acted upon in Cumbria include:

- A woman in her 50s, physically disabled, who was seriously assaulted by her son.

- A young man with a learning disability who was bullied, intimidated and physically assaulted by a member of staff at the day centre he attended.

- An older man with sight impairment, living in the community, 'befriended' by a younger person who regularly stole his money and property.

- An elderly woman assaulted by the manager of the care home she lived in.

- An elderly woman subjected to serious sexual assault by her son.

- An older man, physically restrained in a wheelchair.

- Large scale theft and fraud by family members on elderly relatives moving into care homes.

The campaign is being launched just ahead of the Department of Health's 'Dignity Action Day' tomorrow (25th February), which aims to put dignity at the heart of care services by promoting the dignity of people receiving care.

- In Cumbria 1 in 40 people aged over 65 living in private households are likely to have experienced mistreatment (neglect or abuse) from a family member, carer or neighbour during the last 12 months.

- Almost 300 cases of adult abuse and neglect were reported in Cumbria in 2008, but it is suspected that this figure is just the tip of the iceberg.

- Nearly half of the vulnerable adults who have been abused were physically assaulted by someone close to them and most instances happen in the individual's own home.

- More than a quarter of all the abuse of vulnerable adults is theft or fraud.

- Abuse come in many forms, it may be physical, emotional, financial, sexual, domestic, discriminatory or simply persistent neglect in the way people are cared for.

Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Constabulary, NHS Cumbria and other partners on the Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board have been working together on the safeguarding initiative. 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 the aim is to provide a consistent and effective response when dealing with safeguarding adults issues. 

Mike Evans, independent Chairman of the Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board, said:

"Adult abuse and neglect can happen anywhere to anyone, but the Blind Eye campaign raises awareness about those who are most at risk. Abuse and neglect can only be reduced if people know about what they can do if they spot a suspected problem. People need to feel confident that their concerns are justified and their intervention can make a difference. It's not someone else's problem, it's everyone's business and we need your help to step in and prevent abuse and neglect."

Anyone who suspects that another adult is being badly treated should tell someone about it and their concerns will be taken seriously and their anonymity can be preserved if they wish. If immediate action is required to protect someone from harm, please contact the emergency services by dialling 999. Adult Social Care Emergency Out of Hours number is 01228 526690. If you need to report a crime, but it is not an emergency, please contact 0845 3300247.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332