Protecting the most vulnerable from abuse and neglect

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Protecting the most vulnerable from abuse and neglect

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Abuse can happen anywhere and to anybody, but sadly it is often more likely to happen somewhere it can be hidden and to people who may already be vulnerable, dependent or isolated.

In some cases, the abuse can be perpetrated by someone a victim trusts and relies on - for example someone offering informal care and support like a spouse, family member or friend.

Unfortunately, sometimes these people can use their position of power and trust to perpetrate domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse isn't just physical, it can also be coercion and control, and this can make it harder for victims to reach out for help.

Here in Knowsley, the Council and a range of partners are working together to raise awareness of this often-hidden issue of abuse and neglect and are reminding people that support its available.

Cllr Del Arnall, Knowsley Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: "In Knowsley we know that many people rely on family and friends to help them live independently. In the vast majority of situations, informal carers do an amazing job and have a hugely positive impact on people's lives. But in a small number of cases, individuals can exploit a person's vulnerabilities and go on to neglect or abuse those they are there to support.

"We do understand that reaching out for help can be difficult, especially in a situation where you or someone else is reliant on this support. But no matter what your circumstances are, everyone has a right to be safe and no one should suffer in silence. Please remember there are lots of people and organisations out there to help you."

Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: "Domestic abuse can take many forms, not just physical harm but also coercion and control.

"It is really important that our vulnerable residents know there is support available and that they can speak to professionals such as their GP, a nurse or social worker if they are experiencing abuse."

There are many forms of abuse and neglect - you can find examples here LINK

If you, yourself, are being abused or neglected, here is some advice:

Remember, there is always someone you can talk to.

• do not worry about making a fuss - tell someone you trust as soon as possible
• speak to friends or care workers who may have an understanding of the situation and be able to take steps quickly to improve the situation
• talk to professionals such as your GP, a nurse or a social worker about your concerns.
• contact Knowsley Council Safer Communities Service (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service) on 0151 443 2610 or via [email protected]
• If the person has care needs as a result of a physical or mental illness, please contact the Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on 0151 443 2600
• if you believe a crime is being, or has been, committed - whether it's physical abuse or financial - you can contact the Police on 101 or merseyside.police.uk - or ask someone else to do so on your behalf
• If you feel at immediate risk of serious harm, please call 999.
• Older people can also call the free, confidential Hourglass helplineon 0808 808 8141 for advice.

If you are worried someone you know, or care for, could be being abused or neglected, here is some advice:

Signs of abuse and neglect

• becoming quiet and withdrawn
• being aggressive or angry for no obvious reason
• looking unkempt, dirty or thinner than usual
• sudden changes in their character, such as appearing helpless, depressed or tearful
• physical signs - such as bruises, wounds, fractures or other untreated injuries
• the same injuries happening more than once
• not wanting to be left by themselves or alone with particular people
• carer being obstructive in allowing access the person in their home, excuses, they are sleeping, they don't want to be disturbed, they are in the toilet being unusually light-hearted and insisting there's nothing wrong
• their home may be cold or unusually dirty or untidy
• you might notice things missing.
• a sudden change in their finances, such as not having as much money as usual to pay for shopping or regular outings or getting into debt.
• official or financial documents that seem unusual or go missing

Talking about the problem:

If you feel like someone you know is being abused or neglected then, if possible, gently share your concerns with them in private and see if there is anything you can do to help. Initially they may be reluctant to talk or make excuses to hide a problem, but it is still important to not ignore the signs.

If you wait, hoping the person will tell you what's been happening to them, it could delay matters and allow the abuse to continue and potentially escalate.

If you feel it would not be appropriate to talk to the person being abused, then you can reach out to another trusted person like their GP or social worker.

Who to contact:

If an adult has told you about their situation, you might want to talk to other people who know them to find out if they have similar concerns.

There are also professionals you can contact. You can pass on your concerns to the person's GP, a nurse or a social worker.

You can contact Knowsley Council Safer Communities Service (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service) on 0151 443 2610 or via [email protected]

If the person has care needs as a result of a physical or mental illness, you can contact the Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on 0151 443 2600.

Some forms of abuse are crimes, so to report an incident please contact Merseyside Police. Call 101 or visit www.merseyside.police.uk

If the person is in immediate risk of harm you should call 999.

You can also call the free, confidential Hourglass helpline on 0808 808 8141.

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