bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Listening is not enough: An analysis of calls to the Elder Abuse Response
Authors: Bennett G , Jenkins Ginny , Asif Zee
Published: August 2011

Elder Abuse Response is a UK adult protection helpline for older people which provides a valuable opportunity for monitoring interest in and concerns regarding abuse of older people. This paper provides a descriptive analysis of 1,421 calls to the helpline between April 1997 and March 1999 alleging abuse. The analysis notes types of abuse, age and gender of the victim; gender and relationship of the alleged perpetrator to the victim; and where the abuse was said to have occurred. It discusses possible next steps within the UK for researchers, service planners and providers as a result of the findings in the context of government policy developments.
Preventing abuse of vulnerable adults
Authors: Bradshaw Richard
Published: August 2011

Ensuring that social and health care professionals have a clear understanding and acceptance of what constitutes adult abuse and how they should respond when faced by suspected or actual abuse is a key responsibility for all professional associations. Here an account is given how one organisation ‐ UKCC, the regulatory body for nursing, midwifery and health visiting, has approached this task.
Service and client outcomes of cases reported under a joint vulnerable adults policy
Authors: Rushton Alan , Beaumont Kay , Mayes Debbie
Published: August 2011

This paper reports on a prospective study of 44 cases of alleged abuse of vulnerable adults referred under a joint vulnerable adults policy. The authors examine attitudes to policy, special training and joint working, re‐abuse, continuing risk and the outcome of legal proceedings. The implications of the findings are discussed and recommendations made.
Reviewing practice and procedures in adult protection in the Southern Health and Social Services Board
Authors: Douglas Harry , Halliday Bill
Published: August 2011

This paper looks at the how adult protection policy and procedures have been implemented in the Northern Irish joint health & social services context. This reveals great similarity with other UK settings. One board's use of focus groups to evaluate its policy and system is reported
No Secrets: guidance in England for the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse
Authors: McCreadie Claudine
Published: August 2011

Launched in the spring, No Secrets, the government's latest adult protection guidance is expected to have a major impact on all agencies involved and interested in adult abuse. Here, using a novel approach, Claudine McCreadie, one of the country's leading elder abuse researchers, looks at what No Secrets will involve for those charged with its implementation in local areas, while providing a range of useful insights and hints.
Monitoring adult protection referrals in 10 English local authorities
Authors: Brown Hilary , Stein June
Published: August 2011

This paper reports the results of a study of the monitoring of adult protection referrals in 10 local authorities during six months in 1998. The issues are analysed at various levels. The information provides a useful window on the effectiveness of current policies and provides a baseline from which to anticipate the implications for workload and service planning of recent government guidance.
Abuse in mental health services: some theoretical considerations
Authors: Williams Jennie , Keating Frank
Published: August 2011

The mental health field is viewed by some as reluctant to tackle the problem of abuse. While ‘adult protection’ offers one way forward, the authors of this paper caution against over‐enthusiastic borrowing from this paradigm. Instead they argue that mental health services will only become intolerant of abuse when there is widespread acceptance of the role of power abuse in psychological distress and disturbance.
Adult attachment theory and its contribution to an understanding of conflict and abuse in later‐life relationships
Authors: Shemmings David
Published: August 2011

This article considers some of the implications of research findings into relational conflict and couple violence and suggests links with elder abuse. An outline of a research design to study elder abuse from an attachment perspective is discussed.
Comparative European module: protection of vulnerable older people
Authors: Bradley Greta , Penhale Bridget
Published: August 2011

For the past four years, the social work department at the University of Hull has been working in partnership with colleagues from Austria, France and Germany to develop a European module on comparative social work. Funded by the EU's SOCRATES programme, this has involved the four European sites developing and adapting a prototype module concerning vulnerable older people to fit with their own programme requirements. This paper describes what the process has revealed.
Adult children of elderly parents who remarry: aetiology of domestic abuse
Authors: Lowenstein Ariela , Ron Pnina
Published: August 2011

This research paper from Israel examines damaging family reactions to later‐life remarriage. It describes a study based on qualitative data from interviews with 17 children of elderly parents who had remarried and later reported their adult children to the social service agencies as abusers. An analysis of the interviews shows that the main cause of the abuse was financial and involved matters of inheritance, wills and the distribution of assets. The dynamics which lay behind this pattern of family behaviour are explored.
Chronicling care and registering concern: the use of an at‐risk register for vulnerable adults
Authors: Linnett Mike
Published: August 2011

Few areas have decided to implement a formal at‐risk register in respect of vulnerable adults and adult abuse, although many have markers or other recording aids in use. One of the few authorities which has developed a formal system is Gloucestershire. Here the county's adults at risk co‐ordinator, Mike Linnett, offers a personal view of the advantages and disadvantages of using registration.
VOICE UK: support for people with learning disabilities who have been abused
Authors: Horrocks Christina
Published: August 2011

This paper describes the work of VOICE UK, one of the country's leading support organisations in the field of abuse of adults with learning disabilities. Here the organisation's director outlines the scale and scope of the task facing VOICE, its aims, priorities and achievements. Contact details are provided and enquiries welcomed.
Evaluating self‐determination: an adult protection case study
Authors: Preston‐Shoot Michael
Published: August 2011

Self‐determination is widely regarded as a core social work value and as central to work in adult protection. However, it is not unproblematic and raises difficult questions about how to balance empowerment and protection, or rights and risks. Inter‐agency procedures and the recent publication of policy guidance may reflect these difficult questions rather than assist practitioners and managers to resolve practice dilemmas they encounter.
Victim Support: a profile
Authors: Reeves Dame
Published: August 2011

In the latest in a series of profiles of organisations that provide services within the wider adult protection setting, Helen Reeves describes how Victim Support meets and helps people who have been abused. While not specifically established to assist vulnerable adults and their carers, Victim Support's services are readily available to this group and, as the case examples show, they can make a substantial difference at vital times.
Physical interventions — from policy to practice
Authors: Harris John
Published: August 2011

This paper considers good practice in the use of physical interventions. It describes work undertaken to establish a consensus around policy principles in relation the use of personal restraints in response to violent behaviour by adults and children with a learning disability or autism. It highlights the benefits of clear local and national policies and identifies work required to promote good practice.
Physical abuse and physical interventions in learning disabilities: an element of risk?
Authors: Baker Peter , Allen David
Published: August 2011

People with learning disabilities who present challenging behaviour are particularly vulnerable to physical abuse. It is argued that training in physical intervention could well be a critical variable in determining whether this abuse takes place. Recommendations designed to minimise the risks associated with physical intervention training are made.
Restraint: cause for continuing concern?
Authors: Bright Les
Published: August 2011

This paper by the deputy chief executive of Counsel and Care describes the work this important voluntary organisation has undertaken to examine physical intervention issues, particularly as they affect older people in residential care. It explores the extent to which residents of care homes may be subject to various forms of restraint and draws on discussions with managers and staff.
Managing abuse inquiries: methodology, organisation, process and politics
Authors: Cambridge Paul
Published: August 2011

This paper offers a framework for managing abuse inquiries in social care. Drawing on experience of an inquiry into the physical abuse of people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours in a residential service, it reviews the likely demands on inquiries, offers observations about stake‐holding and makes suggestions about inquiry management and reporting.
Physical interventions in the management of aggression and violence: legal, professional and ethical considerations
Authors: Stirling Christopher
Published: August 2011

The use of physical interventions in the management of aggressive and violent behaviour continues to divide opinion and practice. In learning disability services, it is acknowledged that any physical intervention must be non‐aversive and considered as part of an overall programme which emphasises positive alternative behaviours. The author considers this understanding in the light of recent research and experience.
The HIV testing of a man with learning disabilities: informed consent, confidentiality and policy
Authors: Cambridge Paul
Published: August 2011

Informed consent, confidentiality, disclosure, policy and the wider consequences of HIV testing are issues explored in this paper concerning a man with learning disabilities who tested positive for HIV. The events and outcomes are summarised, with lessons identified for policy and practice in HIV risk management and adult protection in services for people with learning disabilities.
Health and social care workers' knowledge and application of the concept of duty of care
Authors: McKenzie Karen , Matheson Edith , Paxton Donna , Murray George , McKaskie Kerry
Published: August 2011

This study used vignettes to examine the understanding and application of the concept of duty of care by health and social care staff working in learning disability services, and the relationship of this to promoting client choice. The study found that health care staff had a significantly broader understanding of the concept of duty of care than social care staff, and were significantly more likely to emphasise client safety. Implications of the findings are discussed.
The response to No Secrets
Authors: Mathew Dinah , Brown Hilary , Kingston Paul , McCreadie Claudine , Askham Janet
Published: August 2011

This article reports the results of a survey of local authorities, which asked about progress in responding to the Department of Health guidance, No Secrets. The findings of the survey suggest that the majority of local authorities are taking action in response to the guidance. However, there is variation in progress with the different components of the framework for the protection of vulnerable adults outlined in No Secrets.
Restraint and seclusion: service user views
Authors: Sequeira Heather , Halstead Simon
Published: August 2011

Despite the controversy surrounding physical restraint and seclusion in the care of vulnerable adults, the views of service users have had little impact on current practice. This paper reviews the literature documenting the personal views and experience of people with learning disabilities and severe mental health problems following these procedures.
Physical interventions and aversive techniques in relation to people with learning disabilities in Norway
Authors: Røed Ole , Syse Aslak
Published: August 2011

Behaviour programmes containing aversive elements came under scrutiny in Norway following the de‐institutionalisation of people with learning disabilities in the early nineties. A special act was introduced to limit and regulate the need for such measures. This paper describes the situation prior to the act and outlines the arguments used in favour of and against it. The authors also report on a board specially appointed to evaluate the act.
‘Working in Partnership with No Secrets’ ‐ a whole system approach to consultation
Authors: Doonan Shelagh
Published: August 2011

In working to develop multiagency adult protection policy and procedures in West Sussex, we were looking for ways to increase engagement and ownership across agencies, agree roles and responsibilities and consult in a collaborative way on the draft policy and procedures. A large‐scale event was organised with a ‘whole system approach’, as distinct from a traditional conference. Here we describe the origins, purpose, process and lessons from this approach.
A review of research outcomes in elder abuse
Authors: McCreadie Claudine
Published: August 2011

This paper provides a commentary on research outcomes in the field of elder abuse and challenges assumptions about older people, carers, vulnerability and risk.
Training in joint investigation of alleged crimes against people with learning disabilities in Northern Ireland
Authors: McAllister Anne , Bailey Andrew , Barr Owen
Published: August 2011

This paper reports on the evaluation of a training event conducted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Homefirst Community Trust. Participants' attitudes were measured prior to and following the training, which was designed to increase awareness of the knowledge and skills necessary for effective joint investigations of alleged crimes against vulnerable adults.
International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA)
Authors: Penhale Bridget
Published: August 2011

The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse was established in 1997 to help disseminate worldwide information which can help in the prevention of the abuse of older people. This paper reports on the organisation's progress to date and activities planned for the future.
Older women's understanding of elder abuse: quality relationships and the ‘stresses of caregiving’
Authors: Morbey Hazel
Published: August 2011

Specifically feminist perspectives are largely absent from the developing discourse of elder abuse in the United Kingdom. This paper describes how focus groups were used to gather older women's understandings and experiences of elder abuse. A perspective on elder abuse that prioritises relationships, rather than action or behaviour, is proposed as central to assessing the relations of abuse in later life.
Convergence or divergence? Responding to the abuse of disabled women
Authors: Fawcett Barbara
Published: August 2011

This paper examines three competing perspectives about appropriate positionings for disabled women in relation to abuse. It concludes that structural oppression must be challenged and proposes that the issue of disabled women and abuse is worthy of much greater attention and collaborative discussion.
Powerhouse
Authors: Hirani Rita
Published: August 2011

Powerhouse is unique in that it is the UK's first and only safe house for abused women with learning difficulties. It was originally formed so that women with learning difficulties at risk of being abused could access a safe and supportive place to stay. This was the Powerhouse refuge, Beverley Lewis House, which opened in 1995.
Adult protection case conferences: the chair's role
Authors: Manthorpe Jill , Jones Pam
Published: August 2011

This article has three aims: to develop understanding of the case conference in the protection of vulnerable adults; to focus on the role of the chair in order to help those assuming such a position and those who work with them; to consider the case conference as one element of No Secrets and its rolling out into local policy and procedure documents.
The Country Close enquiry ‐ some issues raised
Authors: Garwood Sue
Published: August 2011

An escalating situation in one of Hanover Housing Association's extra Care schemes resulted in an abuse enquiry. This article sketches the situation and the action taken. Two key points emerge: in some circumstances, social services departments may opt not to get involved in situations of alleged elder abuse; and use of the term ‘abuse’ may sometimes be counterproductive. Names have been changed to protect identities.
NHS systems that work to prevent abuse of vulnerable adults
Authors: Clarke Colin
Published: August 2011

The Government's stated aim to modernise health services has seen the establishment of agencies and safeguards designed to ensure quality and protect patients. This paper considers how those agencies and safeguards may serve to prevent the abuse of vulnerable adults.
Death and learning disability: a vulnerability perspective
Authors: Read Sue , Elliott David
Published: August 2011

People with learning disabilities often have to cope with death, dying and bereavement without being fully informed of the circumstances and sometimes without being told that death is imminent or indeed has occurred. This paper explores the issues associated with death and dying from the perspective of people with learning disabilities, and considers proactive ways of working in this sensitive area.
Assessing and understanding sexually abusive behaviours in men with learning disabilities
Authors: Barlow Craig
Published: August 2011

The issue of men with learning disabilities who offend sexually has received scant attention but is important for many practitioners in group care settings. This article argues that there is no absolute prescription for working with sexual abusers or offenders, but a recognition that some men with learning disabilities do engage in sexually abusive behaviour is the first step in establishing appropriate responses.
Adult protection and the Criminal Records Bureau: making use of criminal conviction data
Authors: Kingston Paul , Brown Hilary , Manktelow Ken
Published: August 2011

The Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) offers a ‘one‐stop‐shop’ for checking the suitability of potential employees to work with adults in health and social care settings. This paper argues that an exploration of the rationale for recruitment decision making following the creation of the CRB is timely and necessary.
Warning: health ‘choices’ can kill
Authors: Flynn Margaret , Keywood Kirsty , Fovargue Sara
Published: August 2011

The White Paper Valuing People: A New Strategy for Learning Disability for the 21st Century, is shaped by the principles of Legal and Civil Rights, Independence, Choice and Inclusion. These principles are laudable, but this paper argues that in matters of health that are not within the experiences of adults with learning disabilities, a duty of care should override the elusive mantra of ‘choice’.
HelpAge International
Authors: Graham‐Brown Sarah , Connor Stuart
Published: August 2011

HelpAge International carries out work on issues of ageing and development across a worldwide network. Experience suggests that older people are struggling to be seen, heard and understood, and are still excluded from action to improve their situation. This paper also reports on the Madrid Plan, the first international agreement to recognise the potential of older people to contribute to the development of their societies.
What is financial abuse?
Authors: Brown Hilary
Published: August 2011

In this paper the meaning and use of the term ‘financial abuse’ is explored and new ways of looking at the phenomenon suggested. In particular the paper looks at the interaction between financial abuse and neglect in the context of adults who lack capacity.
Financial abuse and charging for care: the views of social work and legal professionals
Authors: Penhale Bridget
Published: August 2011

This paper draws on findings from a study examining attitudes, practices and policy in relation to charging and assessing older people who were considering entering residential and nursing home care. Its focus is on exploring the views of care managers and legal practitioners towards their work in relation to older people, finances and charging for long‐term care.
The work of the PGO in protecting vulnerable people from financial abuse
Authors: Burns Sophie , Bowman John
Published: August 2011

This paper explains the role, remit and mechanisms available to the Public Guardianship Office in relation to the administration of the financial affairs of adults unable to manage their affairs. A review of 51 cases suggests that in at least four per cent of those abuse may have occurred.
Links between the Public Guardianship Office and social services departments
Authors: Wilson Barry , Burns Sophie , Brown Hilary
Published: August 2011

This paper explores the links between the PGO and social services in relation to abuse and to local authority management of the finances of vulnerable people. It also reports a small‐scale study of adult protection co‐ordinators in social services departments, which explored the nature of and contact between the two agencies in the context of adult protection inquiries.
Still in safe hands: financial protection
Authors: Collins Mick
Published: August 2011

This short paper outlines the work of the advisory group established by the Welsh Assembly Government to monitor implementation progress and identify possible weakness in the adult protection guidance In Safe Hands.
The psychotherapeutic needs of people with learning difficulties who have been sexually abused
Authors: Corbett Alan
Published: August 2011

This article emphasises the importance of meeting the counselling and therapy needs of people with learning difficulties who have been sexually abused, citing a case study example of the themes, issues and benefits which this way of working can generate.
Drawing a line between consented and abusive sexual experiences: the complexities for women with learning difficulties
Authors: McCarthy Michelle
Published: August 2011

This article explores the sexual experiences of women with learning difficulties, highlighting the blurred nature of the boundary between abusive and consented sex.
Recommendations into practice: implementing the results of local research into adult protection
Authors: Dodd Karen , Lamb Louise
Published: August 2011

A research study carried out in Surrey to look at staff knowledge of and attitudes towards adult protection highlighted issues that may underpin the reasons for low levels of reported abuse with particular service user groups. This article looks at how the Surrey Adult Protection Committee has dealt with the recommendations of the research.
Hate crime against people with learning difficulties: the role of the Crime and Disorder Act and No Secrets in identification and prevention
Authors: Perry Joanna
Published: August 2011

This article considers the experiences of people with learning difficulties as victims of hate crime. It considers how the Crime and Disorder Act and No Secrets can help identify and prevent hate crime, and examines an example of good practice designed to produce an effective response.
The case for case management in adult protection
Authors: Cambridge Paul , Parkes Tessa
Published: August 2011

This paper argues for a case management rationale in adult protection management and practice, drawing insights from a series of linked training initiatives and an evaluation of the role of the specialist adult protection co‐ordinator. An explicit case managed approach contrasts with much current practice for adult protection, where responsibilities often vary widely within, between and across agencies and professional and worker roles.
Sexual abuse of elderly people: would we rather not know the details?
Authors: Jeary Katharine
Published: August 2011

This article considers the wide‐ranging situations and circumstances in which sexual abuse of elderly people occurs and suggests that the complexities inherent in the issue mean that policy‐makers and practitioners face real challenges in minimising future instances of victimisation.
Protecting people with learning disabilities from abuse: a key role for learning disability nurses
Authors: Davies Rachel , Jenkins Robert
Published: August 2011

Learning disability nurses are in a prime position to help protect clients from abuse. But current training programmes are not preparing nurses adequately to fulfill this role. This article argues that a shift in organisational culture is required in order to ensure new knowledge is properly integrated with nurses' experience and training needs.
Challenging poor practice, abusive practice and inadequate complaints procedures: a personal narrative
Authors: Flynn Margaret
Published: August 2011

The impetus for this paper was the Channel 5 documentary Who Cares for Gary? and the combined efforts of the author, her family and friends to challenge practice within one of the units featured. The paper describes a fundamentally disruptive sequence of decisions and events in the life of the author's brother and affirms that the consequences of abuse and mechanisms to challenge it go beyond individual suffering.
Avoiding systemic neglect and abuse in older people's inpatient mental health care settings
Authors: Minshull Phil
Published: August 2011

Can models be set in place to prevent neglect and abuse in inpatient settings from becoming systemic? This article suggests that they can, and describes how the establishment of multi‐agency forums within care teams can help foster working practices that are open, accountable and respectful.
Another view of Rowan ward
Authors: Jolley David
Published: August 2011

The Commision for Health Improvement report on Rowan ward made for disturbing reading. But until recently the building where the abuse documented in the report took place had a proud history, described in this article.
Worlds forever apart? Using vulnerable adult protection policies to deliver better health and social services to street prostitutes
Authors: Clark Michael , Squires Sandra
Published: August 2011

This articles makes the case for using existing adult protection provision to improve the wellbeing of street prostitutes, whose circumstances often render them vulnerable and in need of better co‐ordinated support.
The development of practice theory in adult protection intervention: insights from a recent research project
Authors: Douglass Harry
Published: August 2011

This article discusses two theoretical constructs ‐ ways of understanding complex phenomena ‐ developed from a research study. The study, which explored the perceptions of adults who had been on the receiving end of adult protection procedures, uncovered that ambivalence about professional intervention accompanied a profound desire to have mistreatment ceased. It also found that sensitive intervention can make a positive contribution to people's lives.
Adult protection cases in a hospice: an audit
Authors: Payne Malcolm
Published: August 2011

An audit of the 12 adult protection cases arising in a south London hospice during 2004 is reported, including case studies illustrating issues arising and information about the introduction of a new policy and procedure following No Secrets guidance (Home Office/Department of Health, 2000). Introducing reporting to local authority social services and adult protection co‐ordination raised various issues.
The efficacy of interventions designed to prevent and protect people with intellectual disabilities from sexual abuse: a review of the literature
Authors: Bruder Corinna , Kroese Biza
Published: August 2011

This paper reviews the clinical interventions used to address the vulnerability of people with intellectual disabilities to sexual abuse. Prevalence of sexual abuse for this group is discussed. Factors that are considered to put people with intellectual disabilities at an increased risk of sexual abuse are also discussed.As the teaching of protection and prevention skills to adults and children with intellectual disabilities has been put forward as an effective intervention to help avoid sexual abuse, a review of nine studies that attempted to evaluate such intervention programmes is carried out. It is concluded that adults with intellectual disabilities can successfully be taught skills to prevent and protect themselves from sexual abuse. However, issues around the generalisation and the maintenance of acquired skills have to be considered. Recommendations for future research are made. Finally, the clinical implications of the results of this review are discussed.
Evidencing good practice in adult protection: informing the protection of people with learning disabilities from abuse
Authors: Northway Ruth , Davies Rachel , Jenkins Robert , Mansell Ian
Published: August 2011

The importance and challenges in providing a good practice evidence base for adult protection are outlined. The literature search, review and mapping exercise that formed part of the Abuse of Adults with Learning Disabilities: Policy, Practice and Educational Implications in Wales research study is detailed. The article presents examples from this evidence mapping exercise and considers the importance of adult protection research to the future development of policy and practice.
The long‐term effects of the abusive regime at the Longcare homes
Authors: Pring John
Published: August 2011

In 1994, a leaked council report revealed that, for more than ten years, Gordon Rowe, a former social worker, had been beating, raping and ill‐treating the adults with learning difficulties who lived in the residential homes run by his company, Longcare. This paper describes the effect of this abuse on some of those residents.
Select questions: considering the issues raised by a Parliamentary Select Committee Inquiry into elder abuse
Authors: Manthorpe Jill , Perkins Neil , Penhale Bridget , Pinkney Lisa , Kingston Paul
Published: August 2011

This article updates a review submitted to the Department of Health (DH) in the light of the House of Commons Health Select Committee report on Elder Abuse. The review drew on recent research about elder abuse in the UK, including research published after the Select Committee's hearings, that made specific recommendations for areas of development in research and policy. The aim of this paper is to address specific questions posed by the Select Committee in light of developments up to mid 2005.
The use of physical restraint in mental health nursing: An examination of principles, practice and implications for training
Authors: Duxbury Joy , Paterson Brodie
Published: August 2011

Tackling the problem of aggression and violence in health care is high on the agenda for healthcare professionals. In an endeavour to protect both patients and staff alike when managing aggressive behaviour, the use of physical restraint is under scrutiny, particularly as a result of the reported deaths of a number of patients whilst being restrained. The challenges of employing this type of intervention, implications for safe and effective practices and the need for the suitable training of staff are explored in this paper.
Access to assets: older people with impaired capacity and financial abuse
Authors: McCawley Anne‐Louise , Tilse Cheryl , Wilson Jill , Rosenman Linda , Setterlund Deborah
Published: August 2011

This paper draws upon findings from a secondary analysis of suspected financial abuse cases in files of the Guardianship and Administration Tribunal in Queensland, Australia. The paper explores the association between formal and semi‐formal asset management arrangements and suspected financial abuse cases. The role of families as formal asset managers is also considered.
Developing women only and gender sensitive practices in inpatient wards — current issues and challenges
Authors: Copperman Jeanette , Knowles Karen
Published: August 2011

In this article we explore how inpatient mental health services in England and Wales are interpreting and responding to policy derived from Mainstreaming Gender and Women's Mental Health (DH, 2003) in relation to women's safety in inpatient settings. This article will outline the background to concerns about safety in mental health settings for women and drawing on relevant literature and on interviews with service managers, practitioners and users identify some current issues in improving safety for women in inpatient settings and in creating single sex provision. Our review suggests that whilst there are improvements in provision for women in inpatient settings, some women are still not being offered a real choice of a women‐only setting on admission to hospital, and that changing the culture that permits a lack of physical and relational safety for women presents real challenges. We will discuss some of the implications for future practice.
First steps: the UK national prevalence study of the mistreatment and abuse of older people
Authors: McCreadie Claudine , Tinker Anthea , Biggs Simon , Manthorpe Jill , O'Keeffe Madeleine , Doyle Melanie , Hills Amy , Erens Bob
Published: August 2011

The article outlines the background to the recently commissioned UK national study of the prevalence of elder abuse and explains the methodology adopted in Stages 1 and 2 of the research. This is being funded by Comic Relief with co‐funding from the Department of Health and carried out by a team of researchers at King's College London and the National Centre for Social Research. Stage 1, the development work, was completed in autumn 2005. Stage 2, which began in March 2006, is a national survey of the private residential population of the United Kingdom.
Invisible and Ill: three case reports of homelessness in older adults
Authors: Benbow Susan , Cohen Paul
Published: August 2011

We describe three homeless older people who presented to an old age psychiatry service. Homeless older adults are likely to have untreated mental and physical health problems and to be invisible to services. To detect and treat them, services need to be flexible.
Private family arrangements and the welfare of adults who lack capacity: an analysis of the safeguarding vulnerable groups bill
Authors: Hanson Katie , Hamilton Tom
Published: August 2011

The safeguarding vulnerable groups bill aims to improve the system of checks on staff and volunteers who want to work in social care, health or education. However, it creates different levels of protection for children and for vulnerable adults. This article sets out the concerns expressed by a small coalition of disability charities that argued for improvements to the bill during its passage through Parliament. In particular, they wished to rectify the bill's failure to provide for mandatory checks on staff working privately for vulnerable adults who lack the capacity to manage their own affairs. These arguments were opposed by carers' organisations that wanted to avoid increasing the regulatory burden on carers. We critically examine these arguments, and ask whether there is a conflict of interests between carers and vulnerable adults.
A pilot study on the abuse of elderly people with dementia in Turkey
Authors: Aşti Nesrin , Erdem Neşe
Published: August 2011

Turkey faces many problems with its rapidly ageing population. Physical and emotional problems may increase with advancing age, for example, dementia can lead to bio‐psycho‐social care problems of patients, as well as stress and burnout of caregivers. Elders with dementia who have complex care needs appear to be especially at risk of abuse and neglect. Research into elder abuse in Turkey has shown that abuse has been found to occur in low proportions: physical abuse 1.5%, financial abuse 2.5%, and psychological abuse/neglect 3.5% (Keskinoğlu et al, 2004).
Implications for practice: research into the effects of sexual abuse on adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Sequeira Heather
Published: August 2011

The aim of this paper is to gather information that will be useful to practitioners who are assessing and trying to understand the difficulties of people with intellectual disabilities who may have experienced sexual abuse. In the first part of this paper the research into the effects of sexual abuse on people with learning disability is reviewed. In the second part of this paper, the major clinical implications of these findings are explored. These include the implications for abuse evaluations, identification of individuals at increased risk of disturbance, implications for treatment and provision of psychotherapeutic services.
An inspector calls: adult protection in the context of the NSFOP review
Authors: Manthorpe Jill , Cornes Michelle , Moriarty Jo , Rapaport Joan , Iliffe Steve , Wilcock Jane , Clough Roger , Bright Les
Published: August 2011

This article reports on the findings of the inspections and consultations undertaken as part of the evaluation of the National Service Framework for Older People. It focuses on what was found about the implementation of adult protection systems, by synthesising the inspectors' findings, drawing on older people's comments in meetings and interviews concerning care in hospitals, as an illustration, and by reporting the results from a survey. Together these sources of information revealed that adult protection systems are in place, and that the majority of older people say that they know to whom they can report concerns, but that older people and their families weigh up the decision to make complaints carefully. Questions are raised about the interface between adult protection and concerns about dignity and quality of hospital care.
The social construction of violence in old age
Authors: Hörl Josef
Published: August 2011

Varying definitions and conceptualisations of violence in old age exist within and between the scientific community, medical and social work professionals, family carers and the elderly persons themselves. In this paper it is argued ‐ and illustrated by examples ‐ that each of the different actors or observers in this field construct their own social reality and hold selective perceptions of what is meant by violence in general, or elder abuse in particular.
Safeguarding Adults: some experiences from safeguarding managers who are at the forefront of the safeguarding plan (case conference)
Authors: Harbottle Celia
Published: August 2011

As Safeguarding Adults, the national framework of standards of good practice in adult protection, begins to take root in the language and culture of organisations, the need for an evidence base for best practice becomes increasingly important. This article examines the practice data currently generated in three safeguarding adults partnership areas with specific regard to the Safeguarding Adults plan. This process, prior to the clarification of language by Safeguarding Adults, may have been referred to as the ‘case conference’ or ‘review’. Data was gathered from focus groups of safeguarding managers from local unitary authorities. Themes emerged across the groups and, via the use of grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1998), the themes were analysed to highlight the key issues and pressures for those operating within this role.
Elder abuse research based on the analysis of Russian folk works as cross‐cultural communication
Authors: Puchkov Pavel , Damzaev Said
Published: August 2011

Non‐Russian readers of Russian fairy tales may find the stories disturbing and harsh, full of cruel and violent acts such as murders, robberies and other illegal actions. In Russia, however, many children grow up reading these fairy tales as part of an ordinary cultural upbringing. This article analyses the subject of elder abuse and disrespect of age as presented in Russian fairy tale works. On the basis of sociological research of the fairy tales, the author draws a conclusion about the prevalence of elder abuse and age discrimination portrayed in the analysed folk works.
Helping vulnerable adults to keep safe
Authors: Collins Mick , Walford Mel
Published: August 2011

Adult protection is about prevention and, failing that, investigation and aftercare. This article describes innovative work in Powys, mid Wales, where trainers are working with vulnerable adults to help them to reduce the risk that they will be abused, or if the worst happens, where to turn for help. College staff have developed a course that runs on one afternoon a week for the academic year for people with learning disabilities. For people with mental health problems the approach had been workshop based, with a programme of six or eight workshops run by skilled trainers. For older people a third approach has been developed because there are so many older people who need to hear about Keeping Safe. After piloting one‐off workshops and presentations, the trainer has worked with staff and volunteers from a variety of agencies who already work with older people to train them as trainers working in pairs. Those who have received the training will be delivering sessions in luncheon clubs, day services, care homes etc.
Number and nuances: the implications for adult protection co‐ordinators and committees of the UK national prevalence study of abuse and neglect of older people
Authors: Manthorpe Jill , Tinker Anthea , McCreadie Claudine , Biggs Simon , Doyle Melanie , Erens Bob , Hills Amy
Published: August 2011

The findings of the UK prevalence study of abuse and neglect among older people provide unique opportunities for adult protection systems to consider possible changes to their priorities, activities, services and publicity. This article reports first on the contribution of adult protection coordinators to the design and execution of the research. It then sets out potential uses for the evidence provided by the study by the adult protection community in the UK. The article outlines some of the media reactions to the study that adult protection workers will also have to understand and navigate. It concludes with some suggestions for future research and service development in the UK context.
Neglect as an aspect of the mistreatment of elderly people: reflections on the issues
Authors: Stevenson Olive
Published: August 2011

This paper discusses the neglect of old people as an element of mistreatment. It considers the definition and prevalence of neglect and issues arising both in self‐neglect and in the context of professional and personal relationships. It is argued that the underlying reasons for ‘omissions of care’ are various and complex and that distinctions between ‘intentional’ and ‘unintentional’ neglect may be unhelpful. Present evidence suggests that it is the oldest and most vulnerable of elderly citizens who are most likely to experience neglect and that the numbers are not inconsiderable. This has far reaching implications for society and for many aspects of social policy and poses a moral challenge to us all.
Combating elder abuse: the role of guardians for older people in residential care
Authors: Cox Brian
Published: August 2011

The preparation of this paper was prompted by publicity and research evidence of neglect/abuse of older persons in residential care. It sets out to present a new way of combating neglect/abuse of individual residents, drawing also on preliminary findings from a long‐term research project on guardianship. This project, provisionally entitled Guardianship Relations: Models for ground rules, looks at the situations of all vulnerable persons irrespective of settings whereas the following notes concentrate on the need for guardians for persons who reside in homes for the elderly (residential care homes/RCHs).
Failures in the system: our inability to learn from inquiries
Authors: Benbow Susan
Published: August 2011

The Rowan report was published in 2003, following an investigation into allegations of abuse on a ward providing longterm care for older people with mental health problems. The factors identified as important were similar to those identified in other inquiries that took place before and after the Rowan inquiry. Why do organisations fail to learn the lessons of the past?This paper examines what happened following publication of the Rowan report and the ensuing publicity. Some positive outcomes are identified but, putting these in context, it seems unlikely that they will prevent further incidents. How do organisations prevent incidents/suspicions of abuse? The author suggests a multi‐level approach and argues that residential and nursing care is at least equally at risk. The fundamental problem lies in society's failure to prioritise and adequately resource the care of older people with dementia and other mental health problems.
A critical consideration of the cash for care agenda and its implications for social services in Wales
Authors: James Ann
Published: August 2011

This paper considers cash for care as reflected in direct payments and the more recent development of individual budgets in England. While the momentum to roll out individual budgets gathers pace in England, Wales has embarked on a more cautious approach in wishing to evaluate the impact of individual budgets on social services. The paper identifies some of the far reaching implications of cash for care in general and individual budgets in particular, for service users, carers ‐ both paid and informal ‐ and for the social work profession. The policy incoherence in relation to risk and safeguarding is highlighted. This paper supports the approach currently adopted by the Welsh Assembly Government in relation to the ‘rolling out’ of individual budgets. The Assembly's 10‐year strategy for social services focuses on the rights of citizens and the needs of communities. This paper argues that fulfilling that vision should not be wholly contingent upon an unproven extension into the field of individual budgets.
Learning the lessons in training from abuse inquiries — findings and recommendations
Authors: Aylett Jay
Published: August 2011

In recent years we have witnessed an increase in the number of inquiries into the abuse of vulnerable adults and in particular abuse within institutional settings. Readers of this Journal will be familiar with the particular media focus upon events in Cornwall (CSCI & HCC, 2006) and Sutton and Merton (HCC, 2007). This short paper provides a summary of the recommendations featured in these reports and is provided as an accessible resource for safeguarding co‐ordinators.
Voices from the frontline: social work practitioners' perceptions of multi‐agency working in adult protection in England and Wales
Authors: Pinkney Lisa , Penhale Bridget , Manthorpe Jill , Perkins Neil , Reid David , Hussein Shereen
Published: August 2011

This article reports on the views of 92 social workers about their practice in adult protection in England and Wales as part of a wider study of adult protection working and regulation that took place between 2004‐2007 in 26 sample local authorities. The article explores social workers' reported experiences of partnership or multiagency working and how this, along with overarching regulatory frameworks, affected their practice within and across agencies. Among findings from the study were that social workers considered that sharing information and responsibilities led to positive outcomes for service users and that the incorporation of different agency perspectives supplemented sharing of best practice.