How can we protect vulnerable adults?
Everyone has a duty to protect the vulnerable people in our community.
In Lewisham there is a partnership of agencies working together to safeguard vulnerable adults.
If you think someone you know or care for is being mistreated or neglected, don’t be afraid to speak up.
Who are vulnerable adults?
People who need extra help are often described as vulnerable adults.
A vulnerable adult is any person aged over 18 who:
- is old and frail
- has learning or physical disabilities or difficulties
- has mental health problems
- cannot always take care of themselves or protect themselves without help.
What is adult abuse?
Abuse is mistreating or neglecting someone in a way that strongly affects their quality of life.
You can find examples of adult abuse in the frequently asked questions section.
Abuse of vulnerable adults can happen anywhere - at home, in a residential or nursing home, a hospital, in the workplace, at a day centre or educational establishment, in supported housing or in the street.
Lewisham Council and our partners have signed up to an agreement to safeguard vulnerable adults from abuse.
Download the Lewisham interagency adult protection procedure service users' and carers' pack.
Mental Capacity Act
Under the Mental Capacity Act there is a new criminal offence of ill treatment or neglect of a person who lacks capacity – someone who is unable to make decisions on his or her own behalf.
An Independent Mental Capacity Advocate can be appointed to represent someone in this situation who has nobody else to speak on his or her behalf.
Under the Act, there are safeguards for assessing the decision-making capacity of disabled people, for involving them in decisions wherever possible, and for appointing representatives.
Full details of the act and what it might mean for different people are available on the government website.
How to report your concern
If immediate action is needed you should contact the Emergency Services by dialling 999.
Details of how to contact the right team for non urgent matters are in the procedure document.