Protect Against Harm
Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
A guide to identifying and helping Adults at Risk of Harm
What can I do?
Don't ignore it. If you are worried that you or someone you know is being harmed, or is suffering from neglect it is important to tell someone. That person can be a friend or someone you trust or the contacts on this web page.
Everyone has a right to be safe and free from harm.
Remember, the person who did this may be doing it to others too. Or it could be that the person who is being harmed, or neglected may not be able to report it themselves.
Do you need to give your name?
Any information you give will be treated with care. If you do not give your name, enquiries can still be made into the person's care and welfare.
Who should I contact?
If the person is in immediate danger, dial 999 otherwise;
Contact your local social work services office or our out of hours social work service on 0800 811 505. Alternatively you could speak to a health professional or you can contact the police in Irvine 01294 404400 and Saltcoats 01294 404500. They will all take your concerns seriously.
What is the Act ?
The Scottish Government has introduced new law to protect people from being harmed. It is called the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act.
The new law respects an individual's right to have their wishes and feelings taken into account and to have the minimum amount of intervention into their personal life.
Who does the Act say is an "adult at risk" of harm?
"Adults at risk" are adults who—
(a) are unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights or other interests,
(b) are at risk of harm, and
(c) because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity, are more vulnerable to being harmed than adults who are not so affected.
An adult is at risk of harm for the purposes of the Act if—
(a) another person's conduct is causing (or is likely to cause) the adult to be harmed, or
(b) the adult is engaging (or is likely to engage) in conduct which causes (or is likely to cause) self-harm.
Who can cause harm? Anyone
It could be a:
-
member of staff in any setting
-
carer
-
partner, child or relative;
-
friend or neighbour;
-
volunteer; or
-
stranger.
What is harm?
Harm is defined as all harmful conduct. Some examples of this include:
-
Physical: hitting, slapping, pushing, shaking, locking them in a room.
-
Psychological: threats of harm, being left alone, humiliation, intimidation, causing distress, verbal abuse, bullying, blaming, constant criticism, controlling, depriving contact with others.
-
Neglect: failure to provide medical or physical care, access to a doctor or other services, or denying someone medication, food or heating, privacy or dignity, self neglect.
-
Financial: stealing, fraud, pressure to hand over or sign over property or money, misuse of property or welfare benefits, or stopping someone getting their money or possessions.
-
Sexual: any sexual activity that a person doesn't understand or want.
Where can harm happen? Anywhere.
It can happen in the family home, hospital ward, care home, day services, social clubs, day centres, at work and in public places.
Who would act?
Councils, health, police staff and other public agencies, must now work together to protect "adults at risk".
Councils have a duty to make inquiries where harm is known or suspected.
Council Officers who are specially trained Social Workers with a duty to:
-
visit and interview people,
-
ensure the safety of the adult,
-
consider whether there is any need for advocacy and other services, such as help in the home or community for the adult or for their family or carers.