Signs someone maybe at risk of harm, abuse or neglect
It is important that everyone is alert to possible signs of abuse or neglect and act on their concerns.
This video is about why it is everyone's responsibility to report a concern or make an adult support and protection referral when you know or believe an adult is at risk of harm:
Every individual has a right to:
- a life free from fear
- be treated with dignity
- have their choice respected and not be forced to do anything against their will
Some adults at risk can be totally dependent on their parents, guardians or carers. They may or may not know it, and it can be hard for them to ask for help.
This can be happening within any kind of family, anywhere in West Lothian.
Who are Adults at Risk?
"Adult" means an individual aged 16 years or over. Adults at risk have additional support needs and may be dependent on others. They might be:
- Older people or people with illnesses who are dependent on the help of others
- People with learning disabilities
- People with a physical or sensory impairment
- People with mental health problems
- People unable to protect themselves from serious harm or being taken advantage of
- People who are controlled or suppressed by dominant partners
Most adults with additional support needs manage to live their lives comfortably and securely, either independently or with assistance from caring relatives, friends, neighbours, professionals or volunteers. However, for a small number, dependence on someone may produce conflict, exploitation and harm.
What is harm?
"Harm" includes all things that may hurt someone and, in particular, includes:
- Physical harm - hitting, pushing, shaking, restricting freedom
- Sexual harm - sexual activity without consent, sexual harassment, photographing
- Financial harm - adversely affecting property, rights or interests (such as theft, fraud or extortion)
- Neglect - denial of medical care, food, heating, privacy
- Self-harm - If the adult engages or is likely to engage in conduct which causes self harm
- Discriminatory harm - against age, race, culture, disability, gender, background or sexual orientation
- Psychological harm - such as causing fear, alarm or distress, threatening behaviour, verbal abuse, controlling or bullying
Possible signs of harm are:
- Physical harm - unusual or unexplained injuries, a delay in seeking treatment for injuries or illness, sudden increase in confusion, unexplained deterioration of health or appearance
- Sexual harm - unexplained changes of behaviour, becoming anxious or withdrawn, fear of another person
- Financial harm - unexplained debt, not paying bills, another person using the adult's possessions, bank account or property without his or her informed consent
- Neglect - not having their basic needs met, such as adequate food or heating not being provided with adequate information about their rights or entitlements, or being misinformed, the adult at risk not receiving appropriate care
- Self-harm signs may include unexplained injuries and signs of depression or low-self esteem (such as burning or cutting skin, punching themselves or an eating disorder)
- Discriminatory harm - prejudicial actions or remarks to the adult at risk about age, gender, disability, race, colour, sexual or religious orientation
- Psychological harm - people being anxious or afraid, misuse of medication - not giving medicines properly, unexplained changes of behaviour, becoming anxious or withdrawn, fear of another person, pressure by family or professionals to have someone moved into or taken out of care, hostile or unkind behaviour by a person