Adults at risk

• What you need to know
• The rights of every individual
• Who are adults at risk?
• What is harm?
• Where does harm take place?
• What to do and who to contact?
• What support is available?
• Useful contacts

What you need to know

It is not always the case that adults are able to protect and care for themselves. Some adults are particularly vulnerable to harm. All citizens, organisations and agencies have a responsibility to participate in the protection of adults from harm.

The rights of every individual

Every individual has a right to:

• A life free from fear;
• To be treated with dignity;
• To have their choice respected and not be forced to do anything against their will.

Who are adults at risk?

“Adult” means an individual aged sixteen years or over. Adults at risk have additional support needs and are dependent on others. They might be:

• Older people who are dependent on the help of others;
• People with learning disabilities;
• People with a physical or sensory impairment;
• People with mental health problems;
• People unable to protect themselves from serious harm or being taken advantage of;
• People who are controlled or suppressed by dominant partners

Most adults with additional support needs manage to live their lives comfortably and securely, either independently or with assistance from caring relatives, friends, neighbours, professionals or volunteers. However, for a small number, dependence on someone may produce conflict, exploitation and harm.

What is harm?

“Harm” includes all hurtful conduct and, in particular, includes:

• conduct which causes physical harm (including that of a sexual nature)
• conduct which causes psychological harm (for example by causing fear, alarm or distress)
• unlawful conduct which appropriates or adversely affects property, rights or interests (for example, theft, fraud, embezzlement or extortion)
• conduct which causes self-harm

Where does harm take place?

Any adult at risk, man or woman, can experience harm or be at risk of harm in his or her own home; care homes; day services or hospitals.

What to do and who to contact?

If you are being harmed, or are concerned that someone you know may be at risk of harm you should speak to someone about it.

It is everyone’s responsibility to play a part in the protection of vulnerable people. Information and advice will be offered so that the person and their family can decide what practical help they need or what action they wish to take. If they are unable to make a decision, care will be taken to support and protect them.

If you or the person being harmed is in immediate danger you should ring the police on 999.

If it is less urgent, you can contact us at your local social work office, or call

01224 664991 during normal working hours. State it is an adult protection referral and ask to speak to adults services.

You can contact the emergency out of hours social work service on 0845 840 0070. This service is available through the night and at weekends.

What support is available?

If you are, or if you are caring for, an adult at risk we can provide a range of services, which enables people to remain independent in their own home or local community. Services such as home care, meals at home, support when leaving hospital, sheltered housing, supported living, and assistance finding and keeping a job.

If you, or the person you are caring for, feel you/they need our support we will assess your/their needs to decide if you/they are eligible to receive these services.

Useful contacts

Age Concern Scotland Helpline
Tel: 0845 125 9732 (local call rate)
Textphone: 0845 226 5851

Action on Elder Abuse Helpline
Tel: 080 8808 8141

Witness Against Abuse by Health & Care Workers
Tel: 08454 500 300

Public Concern at Work
Tel: 020 7404 6609

Scottish Women's Aid
Tel: 0800 027 1234

Scottish Government information on vulnerable witnesses