Child Abuse In Vulnerable Adults

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Sova A vulnerable adult is any person age 18 and over who is or may be in need of a community care service by reason or mental, physical or learning disability, age or illness and who is or maybe unable to take care of himself or herself or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or serious exploitation. The abuser is usually well known to the person being abused they may be • A partner, child or relative. • A friend or a neighbour • A paid volunteer or care worker a health or social work professional • Older people may be abused by someone they care for There are many reasons why abuse occurs and they may vary with each incident many causes are not fully understood abuse may range from an act of frustration, to a…show more content…
• Malnutrition, ulcers, bed sores due to lack of care for incontinence Sexual abuse Any sexual act carried out to which the vulnerable adult did not or could not consent and/ or was pressured into consenting Possible indicators of sexual abuse: • Unexplained and characteristic changes in behaviour • New tendency to withdraw and spend time in isolation • Recent development of openly sexual behaviour/language • Including inappropriate dressing and masturbation • Deliberate self-harm • Incontinence/bedwetting • Irregular or disturbed sleep patterns • Unexplained soreness around genital area • Bruising bleeding in the genital or rectal area • Sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy Emotional abuse The use of threats or fear, against the vulnerable persons wishes, leading to fear and/ loss of self – esteem Possible indicators of emotional abuse: • Disturbed sleep • Loss of appetite or over eating especially at inappropriate times • Anxiety, confusion or general resignation • Extreme submissiveness or dependency in contrast with known capacity • Sharp changes in behaviour in the presence of certain persons • Excessive or inappropriate craving for attention • Loss of weight without apparent loss of…show more content…
You have a duty of care to ensure the rights and needs of the vulnerable person is your main consideration. You should call a doctor or ambulance if you feel the person needs urgent medical assistance you should also call the police if you have any reason to believe the person is in immediate and serious risk of harm or if you suspect a crime has been committed. You must record the facts of what happened, you will need to record everything you saw, heard, and did to preserve evidence. You must pass on any concerns immediately to your line manager. You must listen to and belive thouse who say they have been abused to give reassurance and tell them they have done the right thing and it is not their fault do not make promises you cannot keep explain that you have a duty to tell the appropriate authorities. Inform the person what will happen
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