How to protect yourself from abuse
How to protect yourself from abuse
How to protect yourself from abuse
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Safeguarding Vulnerable AdultsIf you think you or another personis at risk of harm or <strong>abuse</strong>, pleasecontact:If you live in Medway:01634 334 46601634 333 111This leaflet is available in otherformats and languages pleasecontact 08458 247 100Kent and MedwaydultsASafeguarding VulnerableKent and Medway<strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>protect</strong><strong>yourself</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>abuse</strong>Or if you live in any other part ofKent:08458 247 10008458 247 905If someone is in immediate riskcontact the emergency services on999.For further information go <strong>to</strong>:www.medway.gov.uk/<strong>abuse</strong>www.kent.gov.uk/adult<strong>protect</strong>ionKent and MedwayKCCAP 14/9/11
<strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> recognise and <strong>protect</strong><strong>yourself</strong> and others <strong>from</strong> <strong>abuse</strong>Adult safeguarding is about<strong>protect</strong>ing vulnerable adults. Thisincludes keeping people safe and<strong>protect</strong>ing them <strong>from</strong> <strong>abuse</strong>.It is also about keeping people safein their home. This includes firesafety and home security.There are different kinds of<strong>abuse</strong> - older people and thosewith disabilities can be especiallyvulnerable.Physical <strong>abuse</strong> could be assault orinappropriate sexual behaviour andintimidation. Other kinds of <strong>abuse</strong>are not physical.Financial <strong>abuse</strong> andpsychological <strong>abuse</strong> can putpeople under pressure <strong>to</strong> do thingsthey do not want <strong>to</strong> do.A deliberate or careless refusal <strong>to</strong>provide adequate care for someonecould be neglect. Adults who areneglected can feel they have beenleft alone or abandoned. Neglectcan leave people malnourishedor seriously ill because they arenot getting the right food, care ormedicine.Some people can treat othersdifferently because of their age,disability, ethnicity, sexuality, faithor skin colour. This could be seenas discrimination, bullying orharassment.What can you do <strong>to</strong> <strong>protect</strong><strong>yourself</strong> and others <strong>from</strong> <strong>abuse</strong>?With each kind of <strong>abuse</strong>, neglect,undue pressure or assault, thereis often someone who knows itis happening or suspects thatsomething is wrong.By taking responsibility andreporting it, you can help <strong>yourself</strong>and others. This will help peoplekeep their dignity and respect,<strong>protect</strong> their finances and keepthem safe <strong>from</strong> physical harm.Anyone who thinks they mightsuspect <strong>abuse</strong> can talk <strong>to</strong> someoneabout it.There are many ways we cansupport you or someone you thinkis at risk or might need <strong>protect</strong>ing.If you report something, we willdiscuss with you what action, if any,might be taken.If no one reports a problem,neglect, <strong>abuse</strong> or assault couldcontinue when something could bedone <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p it.
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