Mr_a_Musah

Section 1 How to recognise signs of abuse. 1. Define the following types of abuse Physical abuse, Sexual abuse, Emotional/ psychological abuse, Financial abuse, Institutional abuse, Self neglect and Neglect by others. Below are definitions for each type of abuse mentioned above. Physical abuse Abuse involving contact, intended to cause feelings of intimidation, injury or other physical suffering or bodily harm. Sexual abuse Any sort of non-consensual sexual contact. Sexual abuse can happen to men or women of any age. This can take the form of derogatory name calling, refusal to use contraception, deliberately causing unwanted physical pain during sex, deliberately passing on sexual diseases or infections and using objects, toys or other items without consent and to cause pain or humiliation. Emotional/psychological abuse Emotional abuse can be defined as any behaviour that affects the psychology of an individual by overpowering him/her. It involves verbal as well as non-verbal abuse that eventually undermines the self-respect and independence of the sufferer. Though emotional abuse can occur to anybody, it is more common among those who have least power in society, for example, children and women. Financial abuse It is the obtaining of money, possessions, or property through cheating, deception, intimidation or other means, which does not involve the considered choice of the service user. Institutional abuse This is abuse occurring in a social or health care establishment that may range from poor practices to ill treatment and gross misconduct. For example, lack of individual care, no flexibility of bedtime or walking, lack of stimulation etc. When the institution is failing, you see the other types of abuse surfacing. Self neglect Failure to care for or attend to properly by oneself either due to carelessness or oversight. This is mostly common when it comes to personal hygiene and eating habits, with most people particularly the youth with the mad obsession of the ‘’size zero’’ idea. People end up inflicting upon themselves unnecessary pain and suffering. Neglect by others Failure to care for or attend to properly by others due to either carelessness or oversight. This is mostly common in social care environment where clients are always in need of care and support of other people. 2. Identify the signs and/ or symptoms associated with each type of abuse Each type of abuse has symptoms that help to identify them. Below are the signs or symptoms for each type of abuse listed above: Physical abuse Unexplained bruises or cuts Unexplained burns or scalding Delays in reporting injuries Multiple injuries or a history of past injuries Loss of hair in clumps Unexplained fractures Sexual abuse Unexplained difficulty in walking Bleeding or bruised genital Reluctance to be alone with a particular person Sudden changes in behaviour Sexual behaviour which is out of character Emotional/ psychological abuse Low self esteem Fearfulness Withdrawal from social interaction Increased anxiety Guilt feeling Mood changes Feeling of shame Nervous feeling Self blaming Frequent blaming on others Emotional instability Suicidal attempts Aggressive behaviour Avoiding eye contact Telling lies Substance or drug abuse Financial abuse Significant withdrawals from the sufferers account Sudden changes in the clients’ financial condition Items or cash missing in the clients’ home Addition of names to the clients’ signature card Suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney, titles and policy Financial activities the client couldn’t have done Institutional abuse Frequent argument or tension between the caregiver and the client Changes in personality or behaviour of the client Unexplained signs of bruises, welts, scar (physical abuse) Caregiver’s refusals to allow you see the client alone Report of drug overdose or consistent failure to take medication Signs of being restrained, such as rope marks on wrist Self neglect Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores Insanity living conditions: dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather Unsafe living conditions: no heating or running water, faulty electric wiring, other fire hazards Neglect by others Desertion of the client at a public place Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather Unsafe living conditions: no heating or running water, faulty electrical wiring, other fire hazards Being left dirty or unbathed Insanity living conditions: dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration 2. Describe factors that may contribute to an individual being more vulnerable to abuse Lack of awareness People with less knowledge about what abuse is and who to report to when it does happen stand the chance of being abused. Previous experience A person from a community where abuse is the other of the day may come to accept it as part of life and finds it difficult to see it as a problem, let alone to stand up to it. Sex of the individual The female is believed to be more susceptible to abuse than their male counterparts. This is generally due to the widely acclaimed fact that female are the weaker sex. Racial/ cultural background of the individual People from the minority racial or cultural backgrounds are more susceptible to abuse than the majority groups. This is generally due to prejudice or lack of knowledge about other cultures and people. Lack of punitive measures Although there are measures put in place to control abuse, they are widely seen to lack action. Because most cases of abuse go unpunished, it leaves perpetrators to cause more pain suffering on their victims. As a result of this, most people are more likely to fall victims. Lack of institutional support Most victims of abuse get little or no support from the institutions that suppose to support them. In situations like this people are more likely to be vulnerable to abuse. In some cases, institutions turn a blind eye to some issues or when they turned to support the support comes at a time it is no more needed. Age of the person Children and the elderly are believed to be more open to abuse than any other age group. This is widely due to the fact that they are weak, need support of others and their sense of judgement is not much independent. People take advantage of them due to their physical and mental state. Lack of education It is widely believe that people who are educated turned to know their rights more than those who are not. Educated or well informed people get to know what constitute abuse and what is not, and also what action to take if it does happen, whether with institutional support or not. People with no education are more likely to be abused than those with some level of education. Section 2 How to Respond To Suspected Or Alleged Abuse 2.1 Explain the actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused. If you have a suspicion that a child, young person or vulnerable adult is being abused, you must act quickly but appropriately and professionally. You are obliged to take action but you must also ensure at all times that the welfare of the person concerned is paramount and the interest of the person against whom the allegation is made or will be made against is protected. Where practicable, the following steps should be followed in reporting and resolving the issue: Obtain the contact details of the child, young person or the vulnerable adult. Obtain details of the suspicion including where possible, the name of the alleged abuser and the circumstances which brought the alleged abuse to your attention. Do not attempt to assess yourself whether or not the allegations are true and do not attempt to deal with any suspected abuse yourself. Provide appropriate support to the abused. Report the suspected abuse to your office or to the relevant agencies which may include the police, social services or independent safeguarding authorities. Make a written record of the contact at any of these agencies to which the case is reported. Provide appropriate support for the person against whom the allegation has been made against. If the suspicion is been reported to you by someone else, you must confirm to him/her that action is being taken. If you feel that insufficient action has been taken and you still have concerns for the safety and welfare of the child, young person or vulnerable adult, you should report your suspicion again explaining why you feel the action taken to date is insufficient. 2. Explain the action to take if an individual allergies that they are being abused When faced with a situation like this, there are Dos and Don’ts which must be taken into consideration. Dos Stay calm and listen to them. Take what you are being told seriously. Be aware that medical evidence might be needed. Offer them support to help them to stop the abuse happening. Make a written note of what you have been told. Contact social services or the police. Do Not’s Do not press the person for more details (these will be taken at a later date). Do not assume that someone else is aware of the situation and will take action. Do not contact the alleged abuser Do not promise to keep the disclosure secret. Do not be afraid to contact social services or the police to discuss the disclosure. 3. Identify ways to ensure that evidence of abuse is preserved Physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse or drug abuse all would require different means of evidencing. But there are some general steps when taken can lead to evidence being preserved no matter the type of abuse. In every type of abuse, the following steps must be taken in other to preserve the evidence. Ensure written records- notes, letters, bank statements, medication records etc are kept in a safe place. Don not tidy up, wash clothes, bedding or other items. Do not try to clear or tidy anything up. Try not to touch anything unless you have to for the immediate wellbeing of the victim If any sexual offence is suspected try to discourage the victim from washing, drinking, cleaning their teeth or going to the toilet until the police are present. Preserve anything used to warm to warm or comfort the victim e.g. a blanket. Try to ensure that no one else enters the premises or alleged scene of crime until the police arrive If possible, try and ensure the alleged perpetrator does not have any contact with the victim. Record any physical signs or injuries using a body map or hand drawing. Write a description of any physical signs or injuries including size, shape, colour etc. Always remember to sign and date your notes and any other records you have made. Section 3. The National and Local Context of Safeguarding and Protection from Abuse 1. Identify national policies and local systems that relate to safeguarding and protection from abuse. The national policies and local systems that relate to safeguarding and protecting people from abuse are: The Harassment Policy Race Relations policy Equal Opportunities Policy Data Protection Policy Disciplinary and grievance Policy Complaints Policy Code of Conduct Policy (Live in Carers code of conduct policy) Care Record Book Policy Key Holding Policy Handling Service User’s Money Policy 2. Explain the roles of different agencies in protecting and safeguarding individuals from abuse. It is everyone’s responsibility to shout out whenever abuse is spotted, but usually parents and carers have the primary role of looking after their children and people they care for. In certain circumstances however, statutory and voluntary agencies, families and friends also have roles to play in safeguarding individuals from abuse. Examples of these agencies are; social services, the police, the councils and voluntary agencies. Social services provide a range of support and services to vulnerable individuals and families. When concerns have been raised about an individual, and they are thought to be in risk, social services have the responsibility to decide on the course of action to take. If the individual is found to be at risk of harm or abuse, staff will carry out assessment to determine, for example, the individual’s needs and how to meet them. In some cases have to meet and conduct interviews with the individual and families. Social services in their interviews may decide to involve the police if there is a suspected criminal activity. If the abuse is perpetuated by somebody else, the police may make arrest and criminal investigation may follow. The councils also have a role to play especially in situations where the abuse is either by self or by others. When it is found out that an individual is not properly protected or sheltered, social service may make recommendations to the council to get the individual properly housed. It is the council’s responsibility to make sure individuals are accommodated with lighting, heating and hot water if it is found out that they are being neglected either by self or by others and upon recommendation from social services. Each local authority has established a multi-agency partnership to lead ‘Safeguarding Adults’ work. Voluntary organisations like ; Save the children, Unicef, Oxfam, Red cross, The UN, etc all have a common goal- to protect innocent children and adults from abuse. They take care of individuals who are suffering from the various forms of abuse, especially children who are neglected, by finding them places to live, educate and have a normal life. The social services, the police, voluntary organisations all in their daily roles, in one way or the other, work together when it comes to the issues of protecting and safeguarding individuals from abuse. 3. Identify Reports into Serious Failures to Protect Individuals from Abuse The Baby P Case – The violent death of baby P in the hands of the mum and the boy friend in the rightful eyes of the Haringey Local Council. Castlebeck in Bristol – A BBC Panorama programme that exposed how clients were maltreated. This resulted in Care Quality Commission and Castlebeck admitting failures and led to 3 care workers arrest. Ash Court Care Home- London Borough of Camden-Panorama reveals the appalling treatment of an elderly care home resident with dementia, captured on film after a concerned relative hid a secret camera. The abuse – in a care home passed as ‘excellent’ by the regulator, the Care Quality Commission – has led to five care workers being sacked, with one pleading guilty to assault. 4. Identify Sources of Information and Advice About Own Role in Safeguarding and Protecting Individuals from Abuse The Internet- The internet is a useful and easy source of information and advice on safeguarding and protecting people from abuse. Websites like, www.stopitnow.org.uk is a useful website for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse. The stop it now campaign operates a confidential freephone helpline for any adult with concerns including those worried about the sexual behaviour of another adult towards children. Citizen’s Advice Guide/Bureau – provides advice and information from a wide range of issues including your rights and abuse. The police – The police can be and have been a good source of information and advice on issues of abuse and protection. The Local Councils – Local councils are there for the safeguarding and protection of their people. They do this by making information and advice readily available for its people. Voluntary Organisations – Voluntary organisations like: Samaritans, Childnet international, Action for Children, Childline etc, all are sources for information and advice on own role in safeguarding and protecting individuals especially children from abuse. Section 4 Ways to Reduce the Likelihood of Abuse 4.1 Explain how the likelihood of abuse maybe reduced by: Working with person-centred values – Abuse is reduced by person centred values because institutional abuse often stems from things being done to people because it is convenient for the staff. The individual’s feelings and preferences are not considered. So for example, a person requesting pain relief is left to wait because it isn’t time for the medication to be administered. Active participation means truly involving the individual in their care so that choice, dignity and respect are addressed fully. When clients are involve in their day-to-day care, they feel valued and communication becomes a two way instead of the usual one way. This promotes understanding between both parties and the element of abuse is reduced remarkably. Encouraging Active Participation – Active participation means better understanding between parties and services delivered to meet the satisfaction of both parties. When both parties are satisfied, it means they will be happy with each other, therefore the likelihood to reduce incidents of abuse. Promoting choice and rights – The involvement of clients in their own care promotes choice and rights. Active participation means truly involving the client in their care so that choice, dignity, rights and respect are addressed fully. Promoting choice and rights is also addressed by active participation and an accessible complaints procedure. 4.2 Explain the importance of accessible complaints procedure for reducing the likelihood of abuse Complaints procedures are there for both the client and the carer to follow in making complaints about issues that maybe bothering them. Complaint procedures should be visible somewhere in a service user’s welcome pack and in clear and simple to understand format. When this is done, makes the client know who they can go to with a complaint or concern about any aspect of their care. In this way, abuse is more likely to be identified and dealt with quicker and reduces the likelihood of abuse. Section 5 How to Recognise and Report Unsafe Practices 5.1 Describe unsafe practices that may affect the wellbeing of individuals Anything that would threaten the personal safety of another person be it physical, emotional or psychological. Things like not keeping track if a client has taken his/her medication, not disposing of waste properly, not cooking clients food properly, not securing clients home by ensuring that doors are locked properly behind you when you leave, abuse of any kind, harassment of any kind, are all unsafe practices that may affect the wellbeing of people. 5.2 Explain the actions to take if unsafe practices have been identified If unsafe practices have been identified, the following steps can help in the action to take to find a solution and to prevent similar situations from occurring: 1. Identify the magnitude/gravity of the situation 2. Determine the possible cause or the proximate cause of the problem 3. Prevent or lessen the possible effects of the situation 4. Construct a solution for the problem and also to prevent similar problems from happening. 5.3 Describe the action to take if suspected abuse or unsafe practices have been reported but nothing have been done in response In situations like this it is a good practice to keep copies of all your correspondence regarding the problem being reported. Continue to report the abuse or unsafe practice succinctly and appropriately. Report via the “chain of command”, moving up each time a response is not forthcoming. Also, depending on the magnitude of the practice, you may take it up for prompt action by reporting to the police for swift investigation.