Safeguarding adults at risk

About safeguarding adults at risk

All adults aged 18 years and over should be able to live free from fear and harm and have their rights and choices respected.

Some adults are less able to protect themselves than others, and some have difficulty making their wishes and feelings known.

This may make them vulnerable to abuse.

What is abuse?

Abuse may be:

  • Physical or sexual.
  • Involve people taking money without permission.
  • Not looking after someone properly.
  • Bullying or humiliating.
  • Not allowing contact with friends and family.

Abuse can be the result of a single act or may continue over months or years, abuse can be accidental, or a deliberate act. Anyone can be an abuser – relatives, partners, volunteers, neighbours, friends, strangers or people paid to provide care and services.

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 easy targets.

Abuse can occur anywhere: people can be abused at home, in care or nursing homes, day centres, or any place the adult should be safe. The Care Quality Commission monitors the quality of care provided by Nursing and Residential Homes.