A series of striking posters have been launched as part of a campaign to tackle abuse of vulnerable adults in Hounslow .

The safeguarding awareness campaign encourages residents to look out for and report any abuse to ensure vulnerable residents are not left without a voice.

The joint initiative by Hounslow council and Hounslow Safeguarding Adults Board aims to inform people about what adult abuse is, where to go for support and how to stop it from happeneing.

Posters with the tagline - ABUSE: SEE IT. HEAR IT. STOP IT - along with a new advice leaflet have been released throughout the borough.

Abuse can be a repeated or single act, unintended or deliberate, and can affect anyone who is over the age of 18 who is unable to protect themselves.

Abuse might include one or more of the following:

  • Physical - hitting, kicking, misusing medication, or using illegal restraints
  • Domestic – controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour or violence
  • Sexual - rape and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the vulnerable adult has not consented, could not consent or was pressured into consenting
  • Psychological – shouting, swearing, name calling, bullying, intimidation, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks
  • Financial or material - theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions, the misuse or misappropriation of property and or benefits
  • Neglect - ignoring medical or physical care needs, misuse of medication
  • Modern slavery – human trafficking and forced labour
  • Discriminatory – harassment, hurtful behaviour based on a person's ethnicity, race, culture, sexual orientation, age or disability
Signs of abuse include bruising, loss of weight and changes in usual behaviour

Adults can be at risk of abuse at work or college, in hospital, residential homes, in public and even in their own homes.

Abuse can also occur over the telephone or Internet, and via social media or email.

Signs of abuse include:

  • Multiple bruising or finger marks
  • Injuries the person cannot give a good reason for
  • Deterioration of health for no apparent reason
  • Loss of weight
  • Inappropriate or inadequate clothing
  • Withdrawal or changes in usual behaviour
  • A person who is unwilling to be alone with a particular carer
  • Unexplained shortage of money

Councillor Kamaljit Kaur, cabinet member for adult services, said: “At some point in their lives most adults need care and support from others.

“Sometimes we experience situations in which we feel unable to protect ourselves from the action of others.

“Adult safeguarding is a way of supporting people over the age of 18 to protect themselves from abuse by others.

“We are committed to ensuring that everyone who lives in or uses services within the London Borough of Hounslow is supported to make decisions about how live their life free from abuse and neglect. “

If you believe someone is abusing you or if you know of someone who may be at risk, talk to someone - a family member, friend, care manager, your GP or call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also call the council’s First Contact team on 020 8583 3100 or email adultsocialcare@hounslow.gov.uk

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