We are all responsible for the protection of vulnerable adults.

A vulnerable adult depends on other people for at least some of their care and support.

We all need to know:-

•  what adult abuse is and

•  what our role is in protecting people

Abuse refers to various forms of force, threats and fraud.

The main forms of abuse are:-

• Physical Abuse
  This is violence, which causes pain or injury
• Sexual Abuse
  This is unwanted sexual or touching behaviour without consent
• Psychological abuse
  This is anything said or written which causes emotional distress or anxiety
• Neglect and acts of omission
  This is the failure to provide care or attention to the point where a person's health or safety is affected
• Discriminatory Abuse
  This is unfair treatment because of a person's race, gender, sexual choice, religion or disability 
• Financial or Material Abuse
  The theft or misuse of a person's property, money, possessions or benefits.

An abuser can be anybody. If you feel that you or someone you know is being abused telephone Social Care Direct.

Social Care Direct is your first point of contact if you or someone you know need social care services in the Wakefield District.  The service is available 24 hours 7 days a week.  You can contact them by clicking on the Contact Social Care Direct link below.