What is abuse?
Abuse is about one person having power over another. It causes harm, even if this wasn’t meant to happen.
There are different types of abuse, it can happen in many places, and there are many people who could be abusers.
What can I do about adult abuse?
Anyone who suspects that an adult is being abused should take action to stop it continuing. Organisations and staff that work with vulnerable adults have to follow procedures to protect adults once they have been told that abuse is suspected.
Sandwell Safeguarding Adults Board
The Sandwell Safeguarding Adults Board brings together organisation that work with vulnerable adults, such as the social care services, health services and the police. We help people work together to keep adults safe.
Safeguarding adults resources
This part of the site brings together all the policies and procedures that people who work in health, social care and related services will need if they are dealing with safeguarding adults issues. You can also download our new leaflet, Abused? Unsafe? Neglected?
Mental Capacity
The Mental Capacity Act 2005, which came into force in 2007, affects anyone who is unable to make some or all decisions. It means that you cannot make decisions for an adult unless they are incapable of making a decision for themselves. There is also a duty to provide an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA).
From April 2009 a new law comes into force that will safeguard those people who lack capacity, and are being cared for in registered care homes, registered nursing homes or hospitals. The deprivation of liberty safeguards (a part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005) have been introduced to strengthen arrangements for people living in these circumstances.
Safeguarding learning and development
It is very important that people who work with vulnerable adults know what to do to protect them from abuse, and what procedures they should follow. The Sandwell Safeguarding Adults Board runs regular training courses.
Useful contacts – safeguarding adults
There are a wide range of organisations and agencies that can tell you more about keeping adults safe, or who you can contact if you have a concern.
