Vulnerable Adults
It has
been estimated that there are over 300,000 elderly sufferers of abuse each year
in England and Wales. This figure does not cover those that may have a learning
disability, physical disability or mental disorders.
Surrey Police takes any crime against a vulnerable adult seriously, and will investigate it thoroughly, professionally and empathetically.
We work very closely with our partner agencies to ensure effective information sharing, risk assessment and decision making takes place every time an incident of abuse is reported. Many investigations are run jointly with Social Services and when decisions are made concerning the individual, the investigation team will ensure that the individual’s needs and wishes are taken into consideration. The Local Authority will co-ordinate investigations into adult abuse and Surrey Police are responsible for investigating criminal offences.
Surrey Police has experienced, specialist trained, dedicated officers to investigate adult abuse. They conduct video/DVD interviews that may be used as evidence if the case goes to court.
Who is a Vulnerable Adult?
A vulnerable
adult is someone aged 18 or over who may need or receives community care services
due to disability, age or illness, or who is unable to protect themselves from significant
harm or abuse.
Within Surrey Police, anyone fitting the definition above could be deemed to be a vulnerable adult. However there are a number of factors that determine what department will investigate the crime.
The vulnerable adult specialist teams throughout the county will deal with cases of abuse where the victim is a vulnerable adult and the alleged suspect is a family member or somebody in a position of trust e.g. a carer, doctor, teacher etc.
Other crimes like burglary and hate crime will be investigated by the Criminal Investigation Departments or looked into by the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams.
What is Abuse?
Abuse is the violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person/s.
Types of Abuse
Physical e.g. licking, punching, slapping, force feeding, burning
Emotional e.g. intimidation, name calling, threats, blaming, humiliation
Sexual e.g. rape, inappropriate touching (either on skin or through clothes), intercourse with someone who lacks capacity
Neglect e.g. of physical or emotional needs, deprivation of food, clothing or medical needs
Financial e.g. theft, misuse of monies, benefit or property
Discrimination cultural, sexual, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion
Domestic any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (including any of the above) occurring between adults aged 18 or over who are or have been in an intimate relationship or are family members – regardless of gender or sexuality.
Where Does Abuse Take Place?
Abuse can occur anywhere:
- Own home
- A carers home
- Day care
- Residential care
- Nursing home
- Hospital
Who Abuses?
An abuser is usually known to the person being abused:
- Partner, child, relative
- Friend/neighbour
- Paid/volunteer worker
- Health/social worker or other professional
Court Procedures
There are now various measures that can be put into place to help vulnerable people through the court process. These measures have allowed many people who may have once been denied access to the criminal justice system, the opportunity to give their evidence in court. These will be discussed at the earliest stage possible in the investigation.
Special Measures may include:
- Video/DVD interview being used as Evidence-in-Chief i.e. as the prosecution's main evidence. This may mean that the victim/witness will not have to tell their story again in court to the prosecution. Cross-examination will, however, most likely take place.
- Cross-examination or testimony given by live video link.
- Screens to shield the victim from the alleged abuser.
- The court hearing may be held in private so that the alleged abuser's associates are not present.
- Judicial Wigs and gowns may not be worn to make the setting less intimidating.
- Use of Intermediaries – these are professionals that will assess an individual’s needs and abilities with regards to communication, and will assist the person with interviews and in court.
What to do if you or someone you know is being abused
In an emergency:
Ring 999
Non Emergencies:
Call 0845 125 2222 and tell the operator about the suspected abuse. An incident report will be created (you may be given a reference number) and forwarded to the most relevant team. They will contact you if they need further details.
Please make sure you leave safe contact details.
If you do not feel confident contacting the police on your own, ask a trusted friend or relative to help you.
If you have concerns about a vulnerable adult you know then discuss these concerns with them first. If you are still concerned after having spoken to them then seek advice from social services or the police.
Remember…
- We all have a duty to say something if we feel an adult has been subject to abuse.
If you feel somebody is being abused then you should report it as soon as possible.
There should be no need for somebody to suffer.
- Your concerns or reports will be listened to, taken seriously and investigated as thoroughly as possible. Surrey Police is serious and focussed about catching and prosecuting those that abuse vulnerable adults.
Useful Links
If you'd like further information on or help with Personal Safety, please check out some of the links below: