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Definitions of adults at risk of abuse and neglect

Section 1

All practitioners should be aware of the definitions of abuse and neglect in the Social Services and Well-being Act (Wales) 2014, as well as the:

Pointers for Practice: Signs and Indicators of Possible Abuse and Neglect in an Adult at Risk

This is essential in order to communicate and address concerns about harm in a meaningful way.

s126(1) of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 defines an adult at risk as an adult who:

  1. Is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect,
  2. Has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs), and
  3. As a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.

It is important to note:

Abuse

Abuse:

Pointers for Practice: Signs and Indicators of Possible Abuse and Neglect in an Adult at Risk

Neglect

This describes a failure to meet a person’s basic needs physical, emotional, social or psychological needs, which is likely to result in an impairment of the person’s well-being (for example, an impairment of the person’s health).

It can take place in a range of settings, such as a private dwelling, residential or day care provision.

Practitioners should be aware that the following behaviours could place the adult at risk of abuse or neglect:

It is important to note that this NOT exhaustive lists. Rather, they are provided to offer practitioners some pointers that may alert them to possible abuse or neglect in an adult.

Pointers for Practice: Signs and Indicators of Possible Abuse and Neglect in an Adult at Risk


1Safeguarding Adults at Risk Definitions Ann Craft Trust