Assessment

1. Legally, abuse only occurs when the abuser intends to cause harm True False

Correct Answer is 2 - False Abuse can be unintentional. Negligence or ignorance can lead to abuse without anyone meaning to. Similarly, abusers are not necessarily bad people. They may be victims of circumstances and need help and support themselves. Nevertheless, for the individual who is experiencing abuse, the intention of the perpetrator is not that relevant. That’s why, if you suspect abuse (whether it appears to be deliberate or not), you need to report it to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to protect the victim.

2. At what age may an individual be classed as a “vulnerable adult”? 16 and over 18 and over 21 and over

Correct Answer is 2 – 18 and over A ‘vulnerable “adult’ means a person aged 18 or over. It is exactly the same for all groups, regardless of any disability, emotional state or physical characteristics.

3. You suspect that someone is being abused 3. You suspect that someone is being abused. At which stage should you report the abuse? When you have acquired evidence Straight away After you have discussed the situation with colleagues You shouldn’t, suspicions aren’t enough to warrant reporting abuse

Correct Answer is 2 - straight away If you ever suspect that someone is being abused, you should report it whether you have evidence or not. Don’t keep suspicions of abuse to yourself, but avoid talking about it with colleagues as this may jeopardise any inquiry, as well as undermine the privacy and rights of both the vulnerable adult and the alleged perpetrator. Referring your concerns to the appropriate adult protection team or individual means that information can be logged and decisions made regarding any action that should be taken. Remember that it is not your job to gather evidence. Indeed, by trying to get further information of abuse, you can put yourself or the vulnerable adult at risk.

4. If you suspect adult abuse in the workplace, who might you report this to? Designated safeguarder Police Social services Any of the above

Correct Answer is 4 – Any of the above Normally, suspicions of abuse would be reported to the designated individual or team responsible for safeguarding. However, in some circumstances you may need to report this elsewhere. If you witness or suspect that there is a risk of immediate harm to a person you must act immediately to protect their safety. In this instance, you may need to contact the police. You are also entitled to report potential safeguarding issues directly to social services if you wish.

5. If you suspect an adult is being abused, in what circumstances would sharing information with an appropriate person without the individual adult’s consent be justifiable: It is only justifiable if there is evidence that the individual is suffering or is at risk or suffering significant harm It is justifiable to share information in every circumstances, with or without consent

Correct Answer is 1 – it is only justifiable if there is evidence that the individual is suffering or is at risk of suffering significant harm You should always obtain consent if possible. However, in very exceptional circumstances, disclosure without their consent may be justified if you believe someone may be at risk of harm and you are acting in their best interests. These decisions are often complex and you must assess each situation carefully.

6. Karl is a fit and healthy 35 year old man who is in hospital for a minor, privately funded cosmetic surgery. Which of the following is true? Karl is not a vulnerable adult at this point in his life Karl is a vulnerable adult whilst he is in hospital Karl’s condition does not make him vulnerable, if it was more serious he would be Private patients do not have the same rights as other patients in state-funded healthcare

Correct Answer is 2 - Karl is a vulnerable adult whilst he is in hospital As a healthy man, Karl is not the stereotype of a vulnerable adult, but it is important to recognise that anyone who needs care is vulnerable at that time. Hence, all patients need exactly the same protection

7. Someone who is being abused may not tell anyone because they are ashamed True False

Correct Answer is 1 - true It is a sad fact that many people who are abused are ashamed of their situation or themselves. The nature of some abuse may mean that victims come to see the abuse as being their fault. As a result, they might think that no-one would believe that or that they don’t deserve help. There are other reasons why a person may not disclose abuse. They may be afraid of punishment or believe that they will be put in an institution. That’s why if someone does overcome these feelings and tell you, you must report the allegation to ensure that they get the help that they need. You might be the first person they’ve told. If you don’t act, they may not feel able to tell anyone else in the future.

8. Which of the following would constitute discriminatory abuse? A group of friends laughing at a racist joke on youtube A colleague avoiding talking to someone because he is scared of them A nurse refusing to provide reproductive advice to a lesbian because her religious belief is that gay people should not have children A male colleague believes that women are worse drivers than men and that female paramedics should not be allowed to drive ambulances

Correct Answer is 3 - A nurse refusing to provide reproductive advice to a lesbian because her religious belief is that gay people should not have children. Discriminatory abuse is when someone picks on a vulnerable adult or treats them unfairly because something about them is different, such as: Clothes Weight Race or skin colour Religion or culture Being a man or a woman Being a gay man or a lesbian woman Their age Problems with their health or disability. Hence, only C is discriminatory abuse it is unacceptable to refuse care on these grounds, whatever beliefs the individual has. The key issue here is that the individual was not able to access their rightful services. In answers 1 and 4 there is evidence of potentially discriminatory views, but there is no legislation on what people should think. It is actions that matter. In answer 2, there is too little detail on why the individual was scared – they may have very good reason to be.

9. Someone discloses to you that they are being abused 9. Someone discloses to you that they are being abused. What should you do? Reassure them that they have done the best thing and are safe now Document the incident as soon as you can Find out from your colleagues if they know of anything Tell your boss

Correct answer is 2 - Document the incident as soon as you can It’s important that you report the situation as soon as you can. Follow your organisation’s reporting guidelines and don’t tell anyone else who doesn’t need to know. Good reporting is about providing accurate documentation, so it is vital that you accurately note what you were told whilst it is still fresh in your memory. After all, you may be called upon to explain this at a later date. Try and be as reassuring as you can when an individual is telling you their story, but remember not to make promises to them that you can’t keep.

10. Which of the following would be seen to be a ‘vulnerable adult’? A sex worker An 85 year old woman who lives on her own A person in need of community care services

Correct Answer is 3 - A person in need of community care services The term vulnerable adult is used by the home office to describe ANYONE who is, or may be: in need of community care services because they have a mental or other disability, age or illness’ unable to take care of him or herself. unable to protect him or herself from harm or exploitation the people described in answers 1 and 2 MAY be vulnerable, but this does not mean that they can’t look after themselves.

THANK YOU End of the assessment