Protecting vulnerable adults

Adults who are in care or need support might not be able to protect themselves from abuse or neglect.

Our staff and officers will look at every opportunity to safeguard and protect any vulnerable person.

 

Adults requiring care and support may not be able to protect themselves from abuse or neglect. We have specialist trained officers and staff who work to protect adults at risk of abuse.

Any adult can suffer abuse or neglect from anyone in their lives. Abuse can include physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse and neglect. For older adults, abuse can include coercive control, neglect or acts of omission, discrimination, modern slavery, domestic abuse and cuckooing.

Cuckooing is a term given to criminals who target the homes of vulnerable adults. They may use the property for any criminal purpose but in particular, drug dealing, sexual crimes and firearms. The vulnerable adult is often tasked to complete criminal acts, often under duress.

Adults within a care setting may also experience organisational abuse.

Adults requiring care and support may be at risk of self neglect and potentially may lack capacity to make decisions for themselves.

‘Cuckooing’ is when criminals target a vulnerable person’s home, so they can use it to store drugs, weapons or drug money or use it as a base for drug dealing or sex work.

They may begin by befriending the vulnerable adult. Gangs often select charming and manipulative members to quickly build a rapport with the victim.

The vulnerable adult may be offered a relationship, friendship, drugs or alcohol (or both), money or clothing in exchange for the criminal to borrow a room.

For more information, visit our report concerns about county lines and cuckooing page

Mate crime is when somebody claims to be a friend, and then does things that take advantage of the victim, such as asking them for money.

A real friend should show care, and be fair and kind towards you. Someone who takes your money, asks you to pay for things, or makes you feel uncomfortable is not a friend.

Stay safe from abusers

If someone you do not fully trust:

• asks to borrow your mobile phone, say no – as they may never pay you back
• takes you into a nearby town, be aware no friend would charge you a lot of money for a short trip
• wants you to go out with them, do not pay for everything yourself – make sure they pay their way
• asks to come to your home, ensure they do not eat all your food or leave your home messy

If someone who says they are your friend hurts you, steals from you or makes you do something you feel uncomfortable doing, tell to someone you trust right away.