Harm against adults is harder to see during the pandemic

The pandemic has made vulnerable adults less visible. As part of National Adult Support and Protection Day 2022 on 20 February, people are being asked to keep an eye out for things that don’t look right, and to report concerns.

We can all think of someone we know who we worry about sometimes; a friend, family member or neighbour. During the pandemic, social workers have been going above and beyond to make sure that reports of concerns about adults who are vulnerable have been followed up.

Early indications from data looking at the impact of Covid-19 suggest that across Scotland, there were around 750 Adult Support and Protection referrals per week, on average; this average increases to around 780 per week when using data from the past six months.

Although there is volatility in the figures, there has been a general upward trend in Adult Support and Protection referrals since May 2020.

For every seven referrals, one went on to an Adult Protection Investigation. For those that did not go on to investigation, other steps were frequently taken to ensure that the adult was supported and protected.

In general, physical harm and financial harm are the most common forms of harm perpetrated against adults at risk, but adult protection covers a wide range of harm. This includes everything from sexual harm to psychological harm; self-harm to neglect or self-neglect – when people struggle to take care of themselves.

Lynda Bradford is Head of Health and Community Care for OHAC (Orkney Health and Care): “Orkney is a wonderful place to live but it’s important local people understand we do have adults in our community who are vulnerable to exploitation, neglect and isolation.

“Our information tells us that In Orkney each week we currently receive, on average, 1-2 adult support and protection referrals. We are able to look into these cases and take steps to keep people safe and protected.

“But we have concerns about the people we are not made aware of - in particular those who have become more isolated or less visible due to the pandemic.

“We cannot take steps to protect people, if we don’t know about them.

“So our plea is, if you are worried about someone or if something just doesn’t seem right, please tell services about your concerns.

"Think of it as an ‘information jigsaw’: what you know may be an important part of the jigsaw which will help us understand if a person needs support or protection.

"Services including Social Work, Health, Police and voluntary agencies have been working hard to support and protect adults at risk of harm - but it is up to all of us to play our part.”

Tam Baillie, Chair of the Orkney Public Protection Committee said: “We know that the pandemic has impacted on everyone, especially those who need extra support - adding to the sense of isolation, stress and pressures on mental health and wellbeing.

"Adult Support and Protection is there to respond to those who may not be able to keep themselves, their money or their belongings safe.

"One of our strengths in Orkney is the sense of a close-knit community, being close to those who need extra assistance - and importantly knowing where to go when help is needed. Awareness, understanding and being responsive to need will all make for safer individuals in our communities."

John Paterson, Chair of the National Adult Support and Protection Scotland Independent Convenors’ Group said: “Covid-19 has had an impact on many people’s well-being and mental health; some people were more isolated than ever before. As we are emerging from the pandemic, we are mindful of the crucial role our communities play in safeguarding. Just like with the protection of children, Adult Support and Protection is important every day of the year and we want to ensure that the right supports are in place to protect people who are unable to keep themselves, their money, or their belongings safe.”

“Making an adult protection referral can be a vital puzzle-piece of the information jigsaw to ensure that someone receives the attention and support they need. An adult protection referral can also be a good sign that someone needs support to stay safe, and can stop things getting worse. We can only act on concerns that are known about, so if something doesn’t seem right, you can help by making an adult protection referral.

Mr Paterson said, “Adult protection is everyone’s business and every member of our community is due our consideration and protection. You might provide the vital piece in the jigsaw that helps keep someone safe. If you see something, say something.”

If you are worried about someone in Orkney and want to talk about it or make an adult protection referral, please contact Orkney Islands Council on 01856 873535 and ask for the Duty Social Worker, Adult Services. Where there is immediate danger, contact Police Scotland on 101 - or 999 in the event of an emergency

You can find out more about adult protection on the Act Against Harm website  - and you’ll find a really useful video called ‘Tricky Friends’ which can help start a conversation with important people in your life about what a good friend does and doesn’t do, here: https://youtu.be/lo_6NcdygOE

Follow the conversation on social media using hashtags #seensomethingsaysomething #playyourpart