Act Against Harm
A guide to identifying and helping Adults at Risk of Harm
What can I do?
If you are worried that you or someone you know is being harmed, or is suffering
from neglect it is important to tell someone.
That person can be a friend or someone you trust or the contacts on this webpage.
Everyone has a right to be safe and free from harm.
Remember, the person who did this may be doing it to others too. Or it could be
that the person who is being harmed or neglected may not be able to report it themselves.
Do you need to give your name?
Any information you give will be treated with care. If you do not give your name,
enquiries can still be made into the person's care and welfare.
Who should I contact?
If the person is in immediate danger, dial 999 otherwise;
Contact your local social work services or you could speak to a health professional.
They will all take your concerns seriously.
South Ayrshire Council
Children and Community
Opening Times:
Mon - Thur: 8.45am - 4.45pm
Fri: 8.45am - 4.00pm.
Enquiry and Information Team; 01292 268119
Community Care Teams;
Ayr South 01292 281993
Ayr North 01292 612034
Prestwick 01292 470099
Maybole 01655 883293
Police in South Ayrshire 01292 614000
Out of Hours Social Work Service 0800 811 505
What is the Act?
The Scottish Government has introduced new law to protect people from being harmed.
It is called the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007.
The new law respects an individual’s right to have their wishes and feelings taken
into account and to have the minimum amount of intervention into their personal
life.
Who does the Act say is an "adult at risk" of harm?
"Adults at risk" are adults who—
- are unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights or other interests,
- are at risk of harm, and
- because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or
mental infirmity, are more vulnerable to being harmed than adults who are not so
affected.
An adult is at risk of harm for the purposes of the Act if—
- another person's conduct is causing (or is likely to cause) the adult to be harmed,
or
- the adult is engaging (or is likely to engage) in conduct which causes (or is likely
to cause) self-harm.
Who can cause harm? Anyone
It could be a:
- member of staff in any setting;
- carer;
- partner, child or relative;
- friend or neighbour;
- volunteer; or
- stranger.
What is harm?
Harm is defined as all harmful conduct. Some examples of this include:
Physical: hitting, slapping, pushing, shaking, locking them in
a room.
Psychological: threats of harm, being left alone, humiliation,
intimidation, causing distress, verbal abuse, bullying, blaming, constant criticism,
controlling, depriving contact with others.
Neglect: failure to provide medical or physical care, access to
a doctor or other services, or denying someone medication, food or heating, privacy
or dignity, self neglect.
Financial: stealing, fraud, pressure to hand over or sign over
property or money, misuse of property or welfare benefits, or stopping someone getting
their money or possessions.
Sexual: any sexual activity that a person doesn’t understand or
want.
Where can harm happen? Anywhere
It can happen in the family home, hospital ward, care home, day services, social
clubs, day centres, at work and in public places.
Who would act?
Councils, health, police staff and other public agencies, must now work together
to protect "adults at risk".
Councils have a duty to make inquiries where harm is known or suspected.
Council Officers who are specially trained Social Workers with a duty to:
- visit and interview people,
- ensure the safety of the adult,
- consider whether there is any need for advocacy and other services, such as help
in the home or community for the adult or for their family or carers.