Safeguarding Adults Week 2022: Responding to contemporary safeguarding challenges

Gangs may coerce those at risk to transport illegal drugs from one county to another. Affected areas are likely to see increased levels of violence and weapons as a result.

The Ann Craft has compiled research which suggests that lockdowns in response to Covid-19 increased the number of people at risk of this form of exploitation, due to economic concerns and social isolation.

What to look out for

Signs that someone may be at risk include:

• An increase in visitors to their home
• A new network of friends and acquaintances suddenly appearing
• Substance misuse or drug paraphernalia
• Unexplained, sometimes unaffordable new items of clothing, jewellery, cars etc.
• Unexplained injuries

Find more information on the National Crime Agency (NCA) website.

The term “self-neglect” covers a wide range of behaviour centred around neglecting to care for one’s basic needs, such as personal hygiene, health or living conditions. It may be intentional or non-intentional.

Examples include hoarding, refusal to seek medical assistance when needed, or an inability to attend to basic needs such as eating and cleaning the house. It may be caused by mental or physical illness affecting a person’s physical abilities, energy levels or motivation.

Instances of self-neglect cases have increased over the last two years, particularly for older people.

What to look out for

Signs that someone may be at risk include:

• Health indicators that may be a result of neglecting personal hygiene, such as skin damage or ulcers
• Not disposing of refuse, which may lead to infestations
• Hazards in the home due to poor maintenance
• Large number of pets
• Lack of engagement with health and other services

Find more information from the Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board ‘Self Neglect Guidance’

As organisations and individuals, we can promote safer cultures by taking steps to try and prevent harm from occurring where possible. We can also implement policies and procedures to ensure that people know what to do if they have a concern to report.

How can we best respond to the needs of the diverse populations?

• Listen: create a safe environment where concerns are genuinely heard and addressed appropriately.

• Understand: take the time to understand your safeguarding responsibilities as an individual and an organisation. Ensure you have measures in place to minimise the risks of harm.

• Learn from past mistakes: reflect on what actions you can take to minimise harm and ensure best-practice.

Find The Ann Craft Trust’s safeguarding checklist here.

Elder abuse is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, which causes harm or distress to an older person. It may occur in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, including in community and residential settings.

The World Health Organisation has found that rates of elder abuse have increased since the pandemic. Around one in six people aged 60 years and older experience some form of abuse in a community setting.

What to look out for

Signs that someone may be at risk include:

• Injuries such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones
• Malnourishment or weight loss
• Poor hygiene
• Symptoms of anxiety, depression, or confusion
• Unexplained transactions or loss of money
• Withdrawal from family members or friends

Learn more about the different types of elder abuse here.

Technology can help to keep people safe. But abusers can also use technology to cause harm and to maintain control. They can harass their victims with calls and messages while limiting their contact with friends and family. They can also share, or threaten to share, private, sensitive or intimate information via technology, including online.

This form of abuse is hard to spot and hard to escape. But if you know the risks you can take steps to keep yourself and others safe.

UCL have detailed how smart devices present new risks for victims of domestic violence & abuse.

Find Refuge’s resources to support people at risk of tech-abuse here.

Safeguarding is often explored within organisations and workplaces, but safeguarding is just as important in our communities and in everyday life.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You can help create a safer culture in your community by:

• Learning: about the different types of harm and abuse, and how to spot the signs.

• Recording: any concerns you have.

• Reporting: your concerns to your nearest Safeguarding Adults Social Care Team.

• Reading: Ann Craft Trust’s guide to the role you can play in safeguarding.

You can also find Ann Craft Trust’s resource page on adult safeguarding here.