adult abuse is everyone’s business staying safe

staying safe at home staying safe when you are out and about safe recruitment practice what is abuse? what to do if you have concerns adult abuse is everyone’s business what’s this session about

what’s the risk? adult abuse is everyone’s business ‘banana spider’ listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the deadliest spider but only 1% of people bitten actually die! don’t panic Mr. Mainwairing!

adult abuse is everyone’s business what are the risks you face every day?

home safety adult abuse is everyone’s business think about less obvious dangers trip hazards – rugs, uneven floors, magazines poor lighting fire retardant furniture un-serviced appliances ask someone you trust to check your home for risks think about how you could call for help be clear how you would get out in an emergency your local fire brigade can carry out a safety check make sure you have basic emergency equipment fire blanket and extinguisher first aid kit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

home security adult abuse is everyone’s business keep doors and windows locked even when at home have keys handy in case you need to get out in a hurry if someone else needs access to keys get a key safe have a key release safety chain fitted keep money and valuables away from windows ‘beware of the dog sign’ can deter burglars! leave a radio or television on when you go out have a timer switch on lights postcode mark your valuables agree a sign with a neighbour you trust if you need some non-urgent help – e.g. putting a picture in the window contact local police for a home safety check

bogus callers ask for identification - keep the security chain in place ask caller to pass their I.D. through the letterbox or hold up it to a window if you don’t have a door chain phone the company the person says they work for – get the number from the phone book not the I.D. card if you feel unsure ask them to make an appointment to come back when someone can be with you never tell the person you are alone – just ask them to call again at a more convenient time do not sign any forms or give money to unknown callers don’t leave someone unsupervised in your home adult abuse is everyone’s business

staying safe when you are out arrange to go with someone else whenever possible plan where you are going and how you will get there let someone know where you are going who you are meeting when you expect to be back carry emergency contact details have a phone card or ensure mobile is charged carry a personal alarm and keep it handy don’t carry all money and important things in one bag keep a copy of your house key and enough money for a taxi home somewhere safe - adult abuse is everyone’s business

staying safe using public transport find out bus or train times so you don’t have to wait long wait in brightly lit areas or where there are staff nearby let staff know if you are feeling vulnerable on buses sit as near the front as possible let the driver know if someone is bothering you sit in a busy carriage on trains always book taxis by phone and ask for the driver’s name and the model and colour of car check these details when the taxi arrives sit in the back behind the driver have keys ready so you can get into the house quickly ask driver to wait until you are safely inside adult abuse is everyone’s business

using cash points safely use cash points or counters inside banks alternatively get cash back when you go shopping make sure no one is standing too close behind shield your hand as you enter your PIN number disguise the number if you have to write it down vary your routine only withdraw as much as you need put you money away safely – don’t feel pressurised! put a daily limit on your cash card make sure you have a note of the number to call if your card is lost or stolen adult abuse is everyone’s business

using the phone safely don’t give your name when you answer don’t say if you are alone don’t give personal information such as banking details get caller ID so you know who is calling register with the ‘Telephone Preference Service’ if you feel pressurised by someone asking for personal information or trying to sell things put the phone down always contact the Police if you get abusive phone calls keep a list of useful contact numbers by the phone have emergency numbers on speed dial on your mobile adult abuse is everyone’s business

staying safe online beware of ‘phishing’ banks will never ask for log in or account details via don’t use the same password for every site have a password login for your home computer if other people may have access to it don’t open attachments from unknown senders as they may contain viruses that can harm your computer use privacy settings on social networking sites don’t give out personal information online install internet security to protect against viruses secure websites should have a padlock sign – right click on this for more information online bullying is still abuse! adult abuse is everyone’s business

keeping money safe avoid asking someone else to withdraw cash for you – instead ask for help in getting to the bank alternatively arrange with your bank to open a separate account that your personal assistant will have access to sign a record of who will have access only keep a set amount of money in this account put a limit on cash withdrawals make sure you get receipts if someone has spent money don’t sign financial documents until someone you trust has also read it don’t add another person’s name to bank or insurance documents without legal advice don’t respond to postal requests for money adult abuse is everyone’s business

safe recruitment practice you are entitled to support in recruiting as part of receiving direct payments or an individual budget recruitment checks are the most important safeguards make sure the person has the right skills what training and experience have they had? why did they leave their last post? why are they applying for this job? speak to someone else they have provided care for what sort of questions would help you decide if this is a person you would be happy receiving care from? hold interviews away from home if possible have someone else with you to get another opinion agree a ‘trail period’ if you are unsure adult abuse is everyone’s business

your home as a workplace agree some ground rules mobile phones smoking providing meals privacy maintaining confidentiality if you are employing friends or family remember the person is there to do a job of work keeping the relationship on a professional basis helps to avoid confusion and blurred boundaries employer’s liability insurance as a starting point it can be helpful to think about how you would expect other professionals to behave in your home – e.g. a plumber adult abuse is everyone’s business

using care services safely staff should have the necessary skills check what training staff have received ensure essential information is recorded – e.g. allergies ask for a copy of the agency’s complaint’s procedure any care involving hands on contact should be risk assessed written up as part of your support plan make sure you have a copy and agree with these you should always be asked for your views about how you want support to be provided let a manager from the agency know if you are unhappy with the standard of care provided adult abuse is everyone’s business

what is abuse? anything that makes a person feel threatened, embarrassed or distressed causes emotional or physical pain affects a person’s or emotional physical wellbeing abuse is not always deliberate – it can be well intended but still cause distress types of abuse - discrimination, physical, psychological, sexual, financial, neglect and institutional please don’t keep things to yourself talk things through with someone you trust you can also speak to – social workers Adult Protection Team on adult abuse is everyone’s business

if you are concerned about abuse you need to talk to someone in order to get the necessary help and support an abuser might say things to make a person too frightened to speak out e.g. the abuse is their fault they deserve what is happening no one will believe them the abuse will get worse if they tell anyone abuse is never the fault of the victim call for advice, help and information all disclosures of abuse are investigated and we will do all we can to keep people safe don’t be afraid to call 999 in an emergency adult abuse is everyone’s business what to do if you suspect abuse

general advice social networks are the best safeguard against abuse stay as active as possible share tips on staying safe have a ‘stay safe’ buddy keep in touch with friends and family don’t allow anyone to cut you off from other people beware if someone seems overly helpful and tries to make you change your care or support arrangements remember your rights to be treated with dignity and respect speak out if you feel uncomfortable about how you are being treated trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right talk it through with someone you trust or a care professional adult abuse is everyone’s business

summary staying safe is about being prepared be aware of everyday risks keep in touch with friends and family always follow safe recruiting practice if you want to talk to someone in confidence call the Adult Protection Team on adult abuse is everyone’s business and keep risk in proportion!