Suspected abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult

We believe that every adult has the right to be treated with dignity, have their choices respected and live a life free from fear.

Disability, illness or frailty means that many adults over the age of 18 have to rely on other people to help them in their day-to-day living. Sadly, it is because they have to depend on others that they become vulnerable and at risk, very often from people they know such as a relative, friend, neighbour or paid carer.

Joint procedures for the recognition, reporting and investigation of the abuse of vulnerable adults in Wigan (577KB) have been drawn up by a working group representing:

• Wigan Council
• Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust
• Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust
• Greater Manchester Police
• Age UK
• Wigan and Leigh Housing

The procedures have been drawn up because of concerns that vulnerable people in society may be abused or taken advantage of by those in a position of power over them.

What is abuse?

Abuse can take many forms and all of them are distressing.

• Physical, for example hitting, slapping , pushing or physically restraining, or the mismanagement of medication.
• Emotional or psychological, for example shouting and swearing to make a person afraid.
• Sexual, for example unwanted touching, kissing or sexual intercourse.
• Financial, for example money or belongings taken under pressure or stolen without consent.
• Neglectful, for example not being properly cared for, mismanaging medication or being denied privacy, choice or social contact.
• Discriminatory, for example suffering abuse or neglect on the grounds of religion, culture, gender, sexuality or disability.  

How can we help?

Abuse can take place in a person's own home, in a residential or nursing home or a day centre or hospital. Unfortunately those being abused are often the least likely to bring the situation to anyone's attention.

If you see, or know of, a worrying situation please do not ignore it. Get in touch with us and we will do something about it. This may mean acting directly on your information and/or contacting other services to put an end to an abusive or neglectful situation.

We will also provide information and offer practical advice to the person suffering abuse, so that they can make an informed choice about any help they might need, or any action they may wish to take. If they are unable to make an informed choice, care will be taken to support and protect them.

Please contact me             
about this service