Adult abuse happens every day. You may be aware of it, but don’t know what to do about it.

n the context of the legislation, specific adult safeguarding duties apply to any adult who:

• has care and support needs and
• is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect and
• is unable to protect themselves because of their care and support needs.

An adult with care and support needs may be:

• an older person
• a person with a physical disability, a learning difficulty or a sensory impairment
• someone with mental health needs, including dementia or a personality disorder
• a person with a long-term health condition
• someone who misuses substances or alcohol to the extent that it affects their ability to manage day-to-day living.

People with care and support needs are not inherently vulnerable, but they may come to be at risk of abuse or neglect at any point due to:

• physical or mental ill-health
• becoming disabled
• getting older
• not having support networks
• inappropriate accommodation
• financial circumstances or
• being socially isolated.