What is safeguarding?
All persons have the right to live their lives free from violence and abuse. This right is underpinned by the duty on public agencies under the Human Rights Act (1998) to intervene proportionately to protect the rights of citizens. These rights include Article 2: ‘the Right to life’; Article 3: ‘Freedom from torture’ (including humiliating and degrading treatment); and Article 8: ‘Right to family life’ (one that sustains the individual).
- At least half a million older people experiencing some form of abuse at any point in time (House of Commons, Health Committee, 2005)
- One in two disabled women experience domestic violence and the incidence of sexual abuse among disabled people is four times higher than it is among the non-disabled population (various studies)
- 32% of people with a learning disability say they experience harassment or attacks on a daily or weekly basis (Mencap, 2001)
- “Most people with mental health problems are routinely subjected to physical and sexual abuse or theft by their neighbours” (Mind, 2007)
Some adults’ independence and wellbeing would be at risk if they did not receive appropriate health and social care support. They include adults with physical, sensory and mental impairments and learning disabilities. Any adult at risk of abuse or neglect should be able to access support which enables them to live a life free from violence and abuse.
Please take time to look at the following pages and where you think a vulnerable person may be at risk of serious harm, abuse, mistreatment or crime - report it.
Download the Safeguarding Adults Guidance for Staff
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