Abuse of Adults up by Two-thirds (UK)

Abuse of adults up by two-thirds

29 July 2010

SHOCK new figures reveal the number of cases of suspected abuse against vulnerable adults has rocketed by more than 60 per cent in a year.

In Hartlepool, the number of suspected abuse cases between March 2009 and March this year rose from 123 to 195, a rise of 63 per cent.

Physical abuse accounted for 83 suspected cases and neglect 76, with the vast majority of referrals coming from the social services department, care homes and nursing homes.

There was also 13 alleged cases of both financial and sexual abuse.

Civic chiefs say they can't say for sure whether the problem is getting worse, but they claim that people are more confident about reporting suspected abuse.

Council officers say there has been an increase in staff training and awareness and an improved complaints procedure with cases being referred more quickly.

Labour councillor Ged Hall discussed the rise, which was outlined by the town's vulnerable adults protection committee, at a meeting of his adult and public health services portfolio.

The majority of the alleged perpetrators of abuse were other service users, 77, and paid carer or health workers, which made up 76 of the cases.

Pamela Simpson, the council's strategic lead for safeguarding and vulnerabilities, said: "Care homes continue to be the most common locations of abuse and or neglect. "The perpetrators of abuse have been for the most part other service users or paid carers."

The council's social services department was the main source of referrals with 68, followed by care home providers with and without nursing, both with 27.

Vulnerable adults over 65 with physical disabilities accounted for 77 cases, while people over the age of 65 with mental health problems accounted for 49 cases.

The number of cases of suspected abuse against adults aged between 18 and 64 with learning disabilities doubled to 24.

Coun Hall said: "The statistics reflect that were people are becoming more aware of issues then there is a rapid response to that.

"We don't really know whether it is getting worse so to speak, but what it does show is that people are more confident in coming forward."

The portfolio holder heard that links with GP practices had improved and there was an increased complaints procedure in place.

Care homes are also quicker to report suspected cases of abuse against vulnerable adults than before.

Coun Hall added: "There has been a lot going on in terms of trying to raise awareness among staff and in terms of working with partners.

"I note the increase in referrals and the increase in workload and I hope that the work load will not have too much of an impact on staffing levels."

SOURCE:   HartlepoolMail, UK
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