What is Adult Support and Protection?

You may be reading this as an adult who people may think has been harmed and needs the kind of help called Adult Support and Protection.

You may be reading this because you are the family, friend or representative of an adult who needs assistance.

The Adult Support and Protection Act (2007) provides ways to offer support and protection to certain adults who may be at risk of harm or neglect.

An Adult at risk of harm is defined as a person aged 16 or over and who may be unable to protect themselves from harm, exploitation or neglect because of:

• having a disability of any kind, including learning disability
• suffering from a mental illness
• being infirm due to a physical or mental condition

Harmful behaviour can take many forms including:

• physical harm: hitting, slapping, pushing; locking someone in their room
• financial harm: stealing; pressure to hand over money; misuse of bank cards or welfare benefits
• neglect: denying someone medication, food, heating, privacy or dignity. self-neglect
• self-harm: cutting or hurting parts of your own body; swallowing harmful substances
• psychological: threats of harm; humiliation; verbal abuse; intimidation, bullying; preventing contact with others
• sexual activity: any sexual activity that a person doesn't understand or want.