This service is managed by Health and Community Care
Adult abuse and protection - what you need to know
Adults with disabilities, and older adults who are physically or mentally frail, can be easy targets for people who want to exploit them for money or their own gratification. Orkney is a small community, and while we'd like to think this doesn't happen here, sadly it does.
Some adults are made to feel miserable by friends, family, or strangers who treat them disrespectfully or neglect their needs. Others have money or property stolen by people they trust, often family or friends. Criminals from outside Orkney also target people here through post, email, and phone scams, and recovering stolen money or catching those responsible is often very difficult.
What to Do if This Affects You or Someone You Know
If you, or someone you know, is being treated badly in any way, you can talk to a worker in the Adult Social Work Team, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. They can help you talk through the situation and offer advice and support.
If you believe a crime has taken place, such as an assault or theft, contact the police.
Adult Protection in Orkney
The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 gives the council powers to help people at risk due to the actions or neglect of others.
Social Work Teams respond to concerns about people at risk of harm, working to resolve issues in a way that suits the person and their lifestyle. This often involves carers, other professionals, and anyone else who can help protect them.
Where discussion alone isn't enough to reduce the risk, social workers can apply to the Sheriff for an order, which may remove someone from a dangerous situation, or ban the person causing harm from their home.
Other Sources of Help
- OIC Trading Standards can advise on bogus tradespeople, nuisance calls, and similar issues, and may offer specialist phone systems to block or redirect unwanted calls.
- Advocacy Orkney can help someone have their voice heard and represent their views.
- Local solicitors can offer legal advice, including help setting up power of attorney or guardianship for people who struggle to make decisions for themselves.
Complaints
If you're ever unhappy with a decision or action taken by Orkney Health and Care, you can make a complaint. Our complaints leaflet is available at all offices, or you can request one from the Complaints Officer at the Council Offices.
Contact Details
To discuss a concern about adult abuse, or for advice, contact the Duty Social Worker.
Adult Social Work
Advocacy Orkney
Trading Standards
Police Scotland
Related resources
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Protect Orkney(opens in new tab)
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Borrowing or Stealing
This document contains guidance on recognising when an adult may be at risk of harm, including financial, physical, psychological and sexual harm, or neglect. It encourages people to trust their instincts and report concerns, even if they’re unsure. The leaflet explains that concerns can be reported anonymously to a local council and gives Orkney contact details for the Adult Social Work Duty Team, including out-of-hours support.
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Orkney Biennial Report
This document contains the Orkney Public Protection Committee’s adult protection biennial report for 2022 to 2024. It reviews partnership work, inspection findings, referral data, case audits, service improvements, training and examples of support for adults at risk of harm. The report records rising activity, revised procedures and stronger joint working, while identifying ongoing needs around risk assessment, advocacy, workforce capacity, data quality and involving adults and carers in planning.