The Association also recognises that it is the responsibility of each of its staff to prevent the neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse of vulnerable adults and to report any abuse discovered or suspected.
In the event of a member of staff suspecting or becoming aware of abuse against a vulnerable tenant, it is his/her duty to report it and there is a procedure in place which all staff must follow.
If it is considered that a person is likely to be at immediate risk as a result of their disclosure of abuse, staff will immediately contact Social Services and/or Police.
The normal rule of client confidentiality cannot be observed under such circumstances of discovered or suspected abuse.
Types of Abuse:-
| a) | Physical Abuse |
| Physical assault or injury Withholding prescribed medication Administering medication when not authorised to do so. |
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| b) | Psychological Abuse |
| Intimidation, humiliation, threatening behaviour causing fear, lack of appropriate stimulation, swearing/verbal abuse Denial of a person’s basic rights – choice, privacy, opinion and dignity Over Protection – not allowing to live a normal life Involuntary isolation |
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| c) | Financial Abuse |
| Withholding money, forcing tenants to hand over pension/bank books, withdrawing money from a tenant’s bank without the consent or authority to do so; Coercion of a tenant to hand over money/property. | |
| d) | Sexual Abuse |
| Involving a vulnerable adult in sexual activities to which he/she has not consented or is unable to consent. | |
| e) | Neglect |
| Neglect can be both physical and emotional and has been defined as:- To pay little or no attention |