Page 6 - Prevention Leaflet v2
P. 6
Prevention Information
General
As many incidents of adult abuse are repetitive in nature, supporting and encouraging adults
who may be unable to protect themselves to report abuse, can be a crucial way to prevent
further instances from occurring. Assisting the more vulnerable to stay active within their local
communities is also important, as preventing social isolation may also help to prevent abuse.
Domestic Abuse
The cross-government definition of domestic violence and abuse is: Any incident or pattern of
incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged
16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or
sexuality.
Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (also known as Clare’s Law)
Under the scheme an individual can ask Police to check whether a new or existing partner has
a violent past. This is the ‘right to ask’. If records show that an individual may be at risk of
domestic violence from a partner, the Police will consider disclosing the information if it is legal,
proportionate and necessary to do so. ‘Right to know’ enables an agency to apply for a
disclosure if the agency believes that an individual is at risk of domestic violence from their
partner. The Police can release information if it is lawful, necessary and proportionate to do so.
Domestic Violence Protection Notices & Orders (DVPOs)
A power which puts in place protection in the immediate aftermath of a domestic violence
incident and means a perpetrator can be banned with immediate effect from returning to a
residence and from having contact with the victim for up to 28 days, allowing the victim time to
consider their options and get the support they need.
Three Steps to Escaping Violence Against Women
1. Report the Violence
2. Take Action to Escape the Violence
3. Keep Safe from the Violence
Top Tips to Help Prevent Financial & Material Abuse
Develop an ’estate plan’ for the eventuality that a family member cannot manage.
Check that large amounts of cash are not being kept in the home.
Ensure elders are accompanied to meetings with financial advisors.
Seek financial advice and support: Bank managers can look at extra support.
Set up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).
Put a ‘no cold callers’ sign on the door.
Stop junk mail and unwanted telephone calls.
Only ever use reputable or recommended builders.
Run background checks on caregivers.
Protect valuables.
Neglect & Acts of Omission
The failure of any person who has responsibility for the charge, care or custody of an adult at
risk, to provide the amount and type of care that a reasonable person would be expected to
provide. Neglect can be intentional or unintentional.
Medication errors in hospitals and care homes have been a key trend linked to Neglect and Acts
of Omission between 2015 and 2017. Audits and other existing management processes will
help to prevent further instances from occurring, as well as improving awareness of changes to
legislation, guidelines and good practice. Local guidance is provided on the Teeswide
Safeguarding Adults Board’s website: https://www.tsab.org.uk/key-information/policies-strategies/
