Definition of 'Vulnerable Adult'

The term 'vulnerable adult' refers to any person aged 18 years and over who is in community care or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of himself or herself, or unable to protect himself or herself against significant harm or serious exploitation'.

This also includes those adults at risk owing to their caring role or family responsibilities.

Types of Abuse

Abuse is a violation of an individual's human and civil rights by any other person or persons. Abuse can take many forms:

Discriminatory Abuse

Including that based on a person's ethnic origin, religion, language, age, sexuality, gender or disability.

Physical Abuse

Including hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, burning, misuse of medication, inappropriate restraint or sanctions.

Psychological Abuse

Including verbal abuse, humiliation, bullying, or the use of threats.

Financial or Material Abuse

Including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.

Sexual Abuse

Direct or indirect sexual activity where the vulnerable adult cannot or does not give their consent.

Neglect or Acts of Omission

The repeated deprivation of help that a vulnerable adult needs which, if withdrawn, will cause him or her to suffer.

Institutional Aabuse

Indicated by repeated instances of unsatisfactory professional practice, pervasive ill treatment or gross misconduct indicating an abusive climate.

Who May Abuse

• A partner, child, relative or friend
• A paid or volunteer carer
• A health, social care or other worker
• Anyone

Where Abuse May Occur

Abuse can happen anywhere, for example:

• In someone’s own home
• At a carer’s home
• Within nursing care, residential care or day care
• At work or in educational settings
• In public places
• Anywhere

Reporting Vulnerable Adult Abuse

If the adult is in immediate danger or in need of medical attention or if a crime has been committed contact the Emergency Services - Police and/or Ambulance Service.

Contact one of the following agencies depending on the circumstances:

• During office hours (Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm): Vulnerable Persons Unit, Swindon Police: telephone 01793 507828
• Nursing homes/residential homes/domiciliary care: telephone 0117 930 7110
• Older people/adults with physical disabilities: telephone 0800 085 6666
• Adults with learning disabilities: telephone 01793 466724
• Adults with mental health problems:
  Under 65s: telephone 01793 715000
  Over 65s: telephone 01793 327800
• Out-of-hours emergency duty service: telephone 01793 436699
• Police out of hours: telephone 0845 408 7000

If you are not sure who to contact please telephone 0800 085 6666 and Care Line staff will assist you.

Further Information

The above details, plus other useful information and advice, is available in various leaflets and posters - please see Leaflets and Posters.

Policy and Procedures

Our Policy and Procedures for Vulnerable Adults are available as a downloadable pdf file:

Policy and Procedures for Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults in Swindon & Wiltshire (1.3Mb)

Annual Report

The Annual Report is available as a downloadable pdf file:

Annual Report for Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults in Swindon 2007/08 (689Kb)