Vulnerable adults are at risk of a range of harms such as those listed:
- Physical
- Psychological / Emotional
- Sexual
- Neglect and Acts of Omission
- Self-Neglect
- Financial or Material Harm
- Domestic Abuse
- Discriminatory
- Self-Harm
Harm may be caused by a wide range of people, including relatives and family members, professional staff, paid care workers, volunteers, other service users, neighbours, friends and associates, people who deliberately exploit adults at risk, and strangers – ANYONE.
Harm can take place in the family home, hospital wards, day centres, social clubs, care homes, supported accommodation, sheltered housing, on transport – ANYWHERE.
The protection of vulnerable people remains a priority for Aberdeen City Council, NHS Grampian, Police Scotland and other partners. We work together, trying to prevent harm and intervene early, to protect adults who may be at risk of harm, and everyone needs to be part of that effort.
If you are concerned that a vulnerable adult may be at risk of harm and needs support, please don’t ignore it. IF IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT.
You can call any of the following numbers:
- Aberdeen City Council Adult Protection Social Work Team/Out of Hours Social Work Team (24 hours): 0800 731 5520
- Police Scotland: 101
- Care Inspectorate: 0345 600 9527
Or you can report your concern to Aberdeen City Council using the following Reporting Form
You can find out more on the Act Against Harm website, which provides information about types of harm, the Adult Support and Protection Act, and how to get help.
In addition, Hourglass provides the UK’s only dedicated Helpline for those experiencing (or concerned about) the harm, abuse or exploitation of older people. The Helpline is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. It’s entirely confidential and free to call from a landline or mobile and will not appear on your phone bill.
The helpline number is 0808 808 8141
Accessible information about supporting and protecting adults at risk of harm
Please click here to find easy read information:
National Adult Protection Campaigns
There have been some campaigns aimed at protecting adults.
"Tell Someone" campaign
Tell Someone is a campaign created to raise awareness about Adult Support and Protection Act 2007. Find out more with the Tell Someone video and more information.
"Adults need protecting too" campaign
Glasgow City Council put together a TV campaign to focus on the financial abuse of the elderly, the day to day abuse suffered by adults with learning disabilities and how long term alcohol abuse can affect a person's ability to look after themselves. The video is available online.
Seen something? Say something.
Act Against Harm and the Scottish Government have put together a video to encourage the reporting of potential risk of harm to adults. It should be no different between if you thought an adult or a child were at risk, you should do something about it. If your instinct tells you something isn't right, don't keep it to yourself. The video is available to watch online.
Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is a UK wide scheme which captures significant information in advance for the police to have in the event of someone living with dementia going missing. Find more information on the Police Scotland website.
The following video clip is of a case study, Morag Francis, talking about her decision to implement the Herbert Protocol for her mother: Morag Francis video
Adults up to the age of 26
Aberdeen Young Person's Rights Service remit is to provide advocacy, guidance and support to Aberdeen children, young people and young adults, aged 0-26 years old, who are care experienced or are or have been involved in child protection processes, wherever they live.
Corporate Parenting – Various public bodies are defined by law as Corporate Parents and have responsibilities to uphold the rights and safeguard the wellbeing of children and young people who are looked after and care experienced.