Safeguarding Handbook
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
Physical
Physical injuries can occur where there is no satisfactory explanation, definite knowledge, or a reasonable suspicion that injury was inflicted with intent, caused through lack of care by the person having custody, charge or care of that person.
POTENTIAL INDICATORS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE
The following list may be indicators of many different problems, it is important not to jump to the wrong conclusion too quickly, some of the indicators could be as follows: • History of unexplained falls • Unexplained bruising - in well protected areas or soft parts of the body • Bruising in different stages of healing • Unexplained burns - unusual location / type • Unexplained fractures to any part of the body • Unexplained lacerations or abrasions • Slap, kick, punch or finger marks • Injury shape similar to an object • Untreated medical problems • Weight loss due to malnutrition or dehydration
Sexual
Sexual abuse is the involvement of vulnerable adults in sexual activities, which they do not fully comprehend, to which they are unable to give consent, either verbally or by their behaviour, to which they object or which may cause them harm.
POTENTIAL INDICATORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
The following list may be indicators of many different problems - it is important not to jump to conclusions too quickly, some of the indicators could be as follows: • Sudden change in behaviour • Sudden onset of confusion • Incontinence • Withdrawal • Overt sexual behaviour / language by the vulnerable adult • Self inflicted injury • Disturbed sleep pattern / poor concentration • Difficulty in walking • Torn, stained underwear • Love bites • Pain or itching, bruising or bleeding in the genital area • Sexually transmitted disease / urinary tract / vaginal infection • Bruising to upper thighs and arms • Frequent infection
Physical
Physical injuries can occur where there is no satisfactory explanation, definite knowledge, or a reasonable suspicion that injury was inflicted with intent, caused through lack of care by the person having custody, charge or care of that person.
POTENTIAL INDICATORS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE
The following list may be indicators of many different problems, it is important not to jump to the wrong conclusion too quickly, some of the indicators could be as follows: • History of unexplained falls • Unexplained bruising - in well protected areas or soft parts of the body • Bruising in different stages of healing • Unexplained burns - unusual location / type • Unexplained fractures to any part of the body • Unexplained lacerations or abrasions • Slap, kick, punch or finger marks • Injury shape similar to an object • Untreated medical problems • Weight loss due to malnutrition or dehydration
Sexual
Sexual abuse is the involvement of vulnerable adults in sexual activities, which they do not fully comprehend, to which they are unable to give consent, either verbally or by their behaviour, to which they object or which may cause them harm.
POTENTIAL INDICATORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
The following list may be indicators of many different problems - it is important not to jump to conclusions too quickly, some of the indicators could be as follows: • Sudden change in behaviour • Sudden onset of confusion • Incontinence • Withdrawal • Overt sexual behaviour / language by the vulnerable adult • Self inflicted injury • Disturbed sleep pattern / poor concentration • Difficulty in walking • Torn, stained underwear • Love bites • Pain or itching, bruising or bleeding in the genital area • Sexually transmitted disease / urinary tract / vaginal infection • Bruising to upper thighs and arms • Frequent infection