Adult Protection
If you think you, or someone you know, is being mistreated, ring the Adult Protection Coordinator on 020 8489 1400.
Most people find it difficult to imagine that vulnerable adults and older people are victims of abuse. It is a hidden and often ignored problem in society.
There has been great emphasis on child protection in recent years, but Haringey also recognises the need to protect vulnerable adults and older people from abuse.
Haringey Council with its partners in the Teaching Primary Care Trust and the Metropolitan Police have produced a policy outlining what abuse is and what to do if you suspect someone is being abused. You can download the policy and procedures from the attached files section below.
What is abuse?
Physical hitting, slapping, punching, misuse of medication (for example, giving a person an incorrect dosage in order to sedate them), undue restraint
Sexual harassment, enforced sexual contact
Psychological shouting, ignoring, humiliation, threats of harm, enforced isolation, withdrawal of services
Financial stealing money, possessions, fraud, deprivation of benefits
Neglect failure to provide food, drink, heating, healthcare (for example, failing to give a person their necessary medication).
All of these types of abuse can be carried out deliberately or through negligence or ignorance. However, whatever the cause, the vulnerable person is still a victim of abuse and we must ensure that it ceases.
|Back to TopWhere does abuse take place?
Abuse can take place in a day centre, residential or nursing home, or a hospital, and can be carried out by a professional who is working with the vulnerable adult or older person.
But the majority of abuse takes place in a person's own home, and can be carried out by a carer, next of kin, or family member. It is because of this that the abuse of vulnerable adults is such a hidden subject.
|Back to TopWhat should I do if I suspect someone is being abused?
If you are concerned that a vulnerable adult is at risk of abuse, or is being mistreated, you can raise your concerns by contacting one of the following:
| Organisation | Telephone |
|---|---|
| Social Services: office hours (Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5pm | 020 8489 1400 |
| Social Services: emergency out of hours (Monday to Friday, 5pm to 8.45am, 24-hours at weekends and bank holidays) | 020 8489 3148 |
| Community Safety Unit | 020 8345 1934 |
| If danger is imminent, always call the police on their emergency number | 999 |
This Individual Protocol is an agreement between Partner Organisations detailed in section 1.2, to facilitate and govern sharing of information between agencies working with Adults (aged 18 and over).
Information Sharing Protocol
The purpose of the protocol is to facilitate the secure exchange of information to cover specific social care issues not previously addressed by the Crime, Disorder and Anti-Social Behaviour protocol. You can download the protocol using the following link:
You can also choose to raise the alert by completing the alert form in attached files section. Guidance notes about the form can also be downloaded from attached files section.
If you believe a child is at risk, you will find more information on our Protecting Vulnerable Children page.
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Update MePage Last Updated: 25 June 2008
This page belongs to the following categories :
- Health and social care > Social services > General support care
