We are committed to ensuring that vulnerable adults are protected from abuse and neglect and we will take immediate action where necessary, to keep vulnerable adults safe from harm.
Some adults may not always be able to protect and care for themselves. They may be particularly vulnerable to abuse and my have their human rights routinely disregarded.
Who are vulnerable adults?
A vulnerable adult is a person over 18 years of age who is or maybe in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or maybe unable to take care of himself or herself, or unable to protect himself or herself against significant har or serious exploitation.
What is ‘abuse’?
Abuse is when someone is mistreated, harmed or taken advantage of, forms of abuse can include:
Physical abuse such as hitting, shaking or misusing medication.
Sexual abuse such as forcing someone into unwanted sexual activity, to which they have not or could not have consented, or to which they were pressurised into consenting.
Psychological or emotional abuse such as intimidation, humiliation or being prevented from friends or family visiting or from receiving services or support.
Financial abuse such as stealing someone’s money or fraud or exploitation.
- Neglect such as ignoring medical or physical care needs, preventing access to health, social care or educational services, not caring for someone properly.
What to do and who to contact?
If you are being abused, or are concerned that someone you know may be at risk of abuse you should speak to someone about it. To report this contact Careline+ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 01267 224466.
Or for advice contact the Safeguarding Team on 01267 228944 or email SCHAdultProtection@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
The team is available from 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.
If you or the person being abused is in immediate danger you should telephone the Police on 999!
What will happen if I report abuse?
If a concern regarding a vulnerable adult is reported to Careline+ it will be forwarded to the Safeguarding Team for assessment. The team may liaise with several agencies eg. health services and the police. What you tell us will be treated sensitively.
Support and advice will be provided on any concerns you have raised to ensure that adults at risk of abuse or harm are safeguarded speedily and effectively.
Further information regarding Adult Safeguarding can be found on the links below:
Older Persons Commissioner
Age Concern
Practitioner Alliance Against Abuse of Vulnerable Adults
Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales
Crown Prosecution Service
Social Services Improvement Agency
Carmarthenshire People First
Action on Elder Abuse
Women's Aid
1 Stop and Carmarthenshire Domestic Abuse Forum