Working in partnership to safeguard vulnerable people against harm, exploitation or neglect is one of the key priorities for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Staff work in close collaboration with other internal and external organisations from the Council to protect vulnerable adults from all forms of abuse. All public and voluntary organisations in South Wales are committed to their care, support and protection.
Some adults are less able than others to take care and protect themselves from harm or exploitation. This is often because the person may have learning disabilities or mental health problems, they may be frail or infirm with advancing age, have a physical or sensory disability or because they may live in poverty, are homeless or are misusing substances such as drugs or alcohol.
Abuse may occur as an isolated, one-off event or as a series of incidents occurring over a period of time which can happen in a person’s home, in day or residential care or in clinics and hospitals.
There are also many forms of abuse, either physical, psychological, sexual, neglect, inappropriate care and also financial abuse where the individual has been victimised through fraud, theft or applying pressure around property of wills.
Some abused people may have tell-tale signs such as bruising or scars, they have become anxious, have lost confidence or showing uncharacteristic changes to moods and behaviour and are becoming withdrawn.
The Council and its partners want to highlight these many signs so that members of public can help identify those vulnerable people and protect them. If anyone does suspect that a vulnerable person is at risk of being abused then they shouldn’t assume someone else is dealing with it, but take immediate action themselves.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care & Wellbeing Cllr Mike Forey “We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to play a part in the protection of vulnerable people. We don’t want people to worry about being mistaken if they think someone is being abused because its better to be safe than sorry and discuss the concerns with experienced and responsible people who can then make an informed assessment.
“We encourage people to contact the most appropriate agencies in the circumstances, such as police, doctor or ambulance or the Council’s own Adult Protection Team.
“By working together we will safeguard vulnerable adults and ensure they are treated with respect, without fear of violence, harassment or exploitation and receive the full protection of the law.
“They should have the freedom to make choices about their own lives and receive support, counselling or therapy to redress where abuse has been shown to take place. It is, after all, what we would all expect in life.”
If you suspect a crime has occurred, contact South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you want someone to share your concerns with please contact the Adult Protection Team on 01443 425425. For social care services outside office house, contact 01443 849944
