Think of AskSAL this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The United Nations (UN) has designated June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). The day, which aims to focus global attention on the problem of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of elderly people, also seeks to understand the challenges and opportunities presented by an ageing population.

Given a moment or two most people can recall the names of children who have suffered as a result of serious abuse, all of whom have their own tragic stories. Many have become household names because they have, rightly or wrongly, become the subject of large and often national media campaigns.

But what if we switch the focus to the elderly? Though modern media rarely focuses upon the abuse of adults, it does happen. According to a 2007 study by Action on Elder Abuse, 4% of older people (both men and women) experienced abuse in their own homes – at least 342,000 people across the UK. Last year in Essex alone approximately 4800 alerts of alleged adult abuse were reported, and we estimate that two thirds of adult abuse reported relates to elderly victims.

What support is available for members of the public in Essex?

In Essex there is a helpline designed to tackle abuse of vulnerable adults. The helpline, called AskSAL, can be called for anything from straightforward information and advice about the abuse and the safety of the more vulnerable adults in Essex; to the disclosure of a specific concern about your own safety of somebody that you know. Should you wish to report maltreatment of an adult in Essex, AskSAL will take your concern seriously and ensure that it is investigated appropriately.

How can members of the public help?

08452 66 66 63 - Save the Ask SAL number in your phone, this is vitally important if you have regular contact with an adult who may be at particular risk of suffering abuse of any kind. Start to think outside of the box; though you may not witness any form of abuse in person there is no harm in keeping an eye out for certain signs, especially if you are concerned. Changes in behaviour can often occur as a result of different types of abuse, signs that somebody is being neglected are often the most obvious. But there are also more subtle indications that other types of abuse may be occurring; are valuable items starting to go missing without explanation? This is just one potential sign of financial abuse but there are many more. For more information visit www.asksal.org.uk or www.essexsab.org.

How can professionals working with adults help?

AskSAL is designed as a support service for the public and therefore all professionals need to know about it. However if a professional wishes to raise an adult safeguarding alert a SETSAF1 form should be completed. Alternatively Essex Social Care Direct can be contacted on 0845 603 7634. For equivalent contact numbers in Southend and Thurrock please consult the SET Safeguarding Adults Handbook.

Ignoring abuse is not an option. Any person with knowledge of, or suspicion that a vulnerable adult may be at risk of abuse or is being abused must report their concerns.

Have you witnessed abuse or do you suspect it? Do not hesitate. Call AskSAL today. 08452 66 66 63