All adults should be able to live free from fear and harm and have their rights and choices respected. In North Yorkshire we operate a zero tolerance to all forms of abuse and are committed to preventing the abuse of adults and responding promptly when abuse is suspected.

Some adults are less able to protect themselves than others and some have difficulty making their wishes and feelings known. This may make them vulnerable to abuse. They may also be vulnerable and in need of care services by reason of mental health problems, physical or learning disability, age or illness.

You may be concerned that an adult is at risk of abuse because someone has told you something; or you have seen or heard something that makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy about the care of a vulnerable adult. You may be being abused yourself and need help to stop it happening.

Who is a vulnerable adult?

A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years or over who may be unable to take care of themselves; or protect themselves from harm; or from being exploited. Everyone has the right to live without fear of being abused and with their rights and choices respected. You can find more information on the Who is a vulnerable adult? page.

What do we mean by abuse?

Abuse is when one or more people do or say things to you that makes you feel upset or frightened. It can also be mistreatment by one or more people that violates a persons human and civil rights. You may be suffering from abuse yourself or know that it is happening to someone else. More information can be found on the What do we mean by abuse? page.

Who might be causing the abuse?

Anyone may be an abuser. It may be somebody you know well or it may be a stranger. It may be more than one person. It might be a family member; a friend; a neighbour; a paid or voluntary carer; a nurse; a social worker; a GP; a visitor to your home; or somebody who you don't know. If you live in a residential setting or visit a day centre, it may be another user of that service; a visitor; or a carer. You can find more information on the Who might be causing the abuse? page.

Reporting abuse

If you suspect that you or someone you know is being abused then you should report this. Please see the What should you do if you suspect abuse or are worried about abuse? page for details of how to do this.

What are the multi-agency arrangements for safeguarding adults in North Yorkshire?

We have set up the North Yorkshire safeguarding adults board to protect adults who may be at risk from abuse and to promote co-operation and effective working practices between different agencies. The board membership includes lead officers from social care services, police, health, housing, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Care Quality Commission and voluntary agencies.

For more information on the board and to read our policies and procedures, please see the What are the multi-agency arrangements for safeguarding adults in North Yorkshire? page.

Social care Apply for social care support and advice

Useful downloads Keeping people safe - safeguarding and protecting adults from abuse or mistreatment (February 2009) [415kb] This leaflet provides information about what to do if you are being abused, or you suspect that someone is being abused. Keeping people safe - safeguarding and protecting adults from abuse or mistreatment (large print version) (February 2009) [45kb] This leaflet provides information about what to do if you are being abused, or you suspect that someone is being abused.     Weblinks Please note: All external websites open in a new browser window. North Yorkshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites. Action on Elder Abuse Action on Elder abuse is a national charity in the United Kingdom that provides information, advice and support to victims and others who are concerned about or have witnessed abuse. Ann Craft Trust The Ann Craft Trust is an organisation in the United Kingdom which works with staff across the public, private and voluntary sectors to help protect people with learning disabilities from abuse. Department of Health - No Secrets Link to a Department of Health document on 'No Secrets' which provides guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse. North Yorkshire Police North Yorkshire Police - delivering modern policing in a traditional way. Practitioner Alliance Against Abuse of Vulnerable Adults PAVA works with practitioners to develop positive outcomes in working with the abuse of vulnerable adults. Respond Respond provides a range of services to victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse who have learning disabilities, and training and support to those who work with them. The Care Quality Commission The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. They regulate health and adult social care services, whether provided by the NHS, local authorities, private companies or voluntary organisations. The Crown Prosecution Service The Crown Prosecution Service is the Government department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales. The multi-agency public protection arrangements website for North Yorkshire and the City of York Multi-agency public protection arrangements, (MAPPAs) is the process through which the police, probation and prison services work together with other agencies to manage the risks posed by violent and sexual offenders living in the community. The Public Guardianship Office The Public Guardianship Office is a branch of the Court of Protection. They are responsible for providing services which promote the financial and social well being of people with mental incapacity. Safeguarding vulnerable adults - frequently asked questions Who is a vulnerable adult? What do we mean by abuse? Who might be causing the abuse? Where can abuse happen? What should you do if you suspect abuse or are worried about abuse? How can North Yorkshire County Council help? What are the multi-agency arrangements for safeguarding adults in North Yorkshire? Contacts Customer services centre (social care enquiries) Full contact details for the customer services centre, including how to call in personally, can be found below. social.care@northyorks.gov.uk Tel: 0845 034 9410 Fax: 01609 532009 Full details for Customer services centre (social care enquiries) Compliments, complaints, comments and concerns (adult social care) Help us get it right. Please tell us your views about adult social care services provided by North Yorkshire County Council. Your comments can help us to improve our services and plan for the future. social.complaints@northyorks.g... Tel: 01609 532638 Fax: 01609 532025 Full details for Compliments, complaints, comments and concerns (adult social care) North Yorkshire Police http://www.northyorkshire.police.uk Tel: 0845 60 60 247 Full details for North Yorkshire Police Emergency duty team edt@northyorks.gov.uk Tel: 0845 034 9417 Fax: 01904 760198 Full details for Emergency duty team